Boston s Beacon. Suzanne Bump. President s Message. Calendar of Events Boston Chapter. July 14. Local. National. Inside this Issue. Save the Date!

Transcription

1 Boston s Beacon Volume , Issue 2 August 2013 Calendar of Events Boston Chapter President s Message Local August 6, 2013 Boston Chapter Executive Committee Meeting National Sept 16-17, 2013 AGA Internal Control & Fraud Conference Washington, DC Feb 11 & 12, 2014 NLC: Strategic Innovation for Government Leaders Washington, D.C. Inside this Issue Chapter Balance Sheet Chapter Recognition Program...6 Citizen Centric Reporting...8 CEC Meeting Highlights...8 CGFM News...5 Community Service Notes...3 Upcoming Events...4 Member News...5 Membership Application National Office News...9 New England News Officers & Directors List..12 Trivia Websites The Massachusetts Legislature recently created a commission to study the possibility of Boston hosting future Olympic games. Well, in government finance terms, Boston is hosting its own Olympic level event this month. Coincident with State Comptroller Martin Bennison s presidency, the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers 98th annual conference will be taking place August 10th through the 14th at the Seaport Hotel on the South Boston waterfront. This will be my third NASACT annual conference. If you have not been before, this is the perfect time to make it your first. The event offers not just valuable specified training, but most importantly, an un-paralleled occasion to network and meet new colleagues from across the industry. Each year, I return from the conference with fresh perspectives and new ideas to explore. Hosting the conference puts Massachusetts and the region in the spotlight, giving us the ability to showcase our own innovations and achievements. I know that with 21 other state auditors traveling to the event, I am getting ready to put my best foot forward. Lots of fantastic programing is scheduled, including discussions on the Massachusetts healthcare experience, Big Data and data analytics, data security privacy and identity theft, fraud prevention, transparency, and much more. But what kind of hosts would we be if we didn t show our guests a good time? There will be a golf tournament held at the award winning Red Tail Golf Club in Devens, a BBQ at Fenway Park, a 5K fun-run at Castle Island (save room for Sullivan s), and special access to the John F Kennedy Library. In true Boston style, instead of a formal dining night (always the last of the conference), the host committee has decided to go casual and have a good old fashion New England Clambake. The enrollment is already around 340 (well above last year s 250). It is promising to be one of the most successful NASACT conferences yet! I hope to see you there. Suzanne Bump Save the Date! AGA Internal Control & Fraud Conference Washington, D.C. July 14 Page 1

2 NASACT 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AUGUST President of NASACT SUZANNE BUMP STEVEN GROSSMAN Conference Host Conference Co-Host Conference Co-Hos Comptroller of the Auditor of the State Treasurer of the Commonwealth Commonwealth Commonwealth You are invited to the City on the hill, Boston, for the 2013 Annual NASACT Conference. As leaders in State Government, we gather each year to confront challenges, explore solutions, and share best practices to enhance our respective States. The Training and Professional Development Committee has assembled a top notch technical agenda which includes discussions on the Massachusetts healthcare experience, Big Data and data analytics, data security privacy and identity theft, fraud prevention, transparency, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and much more. In addition to the technical program, there are several opportunities to network and enjoy the best of Boston. The annual Golf Tournament will be held at the award winning Red Tail Golf Club; runners and walkers will enjoy spectacular views of Boston Harbor, Fort Independence and Castle Island during the Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk. The President s Night Reception on Sunday at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum offers access to the entire museum and sweeping views of Boston and the harbor. Monday night we ll enjoy a ballpark barbeque at iconic Fenway Park, with ballpark tours and other fun surprises. For Tuesday s State Night Dinner, leave the evening wear and business attire at home! Instead we will relax with a casual and authentic New England Clambake. Congrats! Guests will experience the best of the old world and new on a two day adventure that includes a land and water tour of Boston on a Duck Boat, shopping at the Prudential Center, tours of the Massachusetts State House, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and ending with a lunch cruise through Boston Harbor. On behalf of my co-hosts, State Auditor Suzanne Bump and State Treasurer Steven Grossman, we invite you to Boston! It is an honor to serve as your hosts for the 2013 Annual NASACT conference. Page 2

3 COMMUNITY SERVICE NEWS! Please read the following article for information about an upcoming community service projects. Anyone interested or having additional questions about this project can contact Jane Gustowski, Boston Chapter Community Service Director at Volunteers Wanted for Stand Down Help Local Veterans This year, the Boston Chapter s Community Service Committee is again supporting the region s annual Stand Down. This event will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 23th and 24th at IBEW Local 103 Headquarters, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester, MA. Information explaining this event can be found at Stand Downs are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs efforts to provide services to homeless and at risk veterans. They provide services to homeless veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, etc..the event is a collaboration between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless. Currently, we are trying to determine how many members might be willing to donate their time to this worthwhile event. Volunteers do have to register through the website noted above. Please contact Joe Valchius at JValchuis@doe.mass.edu if you require more information or to volunteer. Please consider joining in this worthwhile effort. Page 3

4 Preliminary AGA Boston Chapter Upcoming Events Date: October 17, 2013 Annual Many Faces of Fraud Seminar Lombardo s, Randolph, MA Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CPE: 7 CPE Cost: Program: Location: Presenter(s): Date: December 5, 2013 Annual Holiday Charity Luncheon Maggiano s Little Italy, Boston, MA Christmas in the City Time: 12:00 p.m. Cost: Program: Location: Local Charity: Date: January 23, 2014 Volpe Building, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CPE: 7 CPE Cost: Program: Location: Presenter(s): Date: Program: Location: Presenter(s): Time: CPE: Cost: Date: Program: Location: Presenter(s): Time: CPE: Cost: March 13, 2014 (Thursday) Professional Development Conference Bentley University, Waltham, MA Various 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7 CPE April 17, 2014 (Tentative) 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7 CPE Page 4

5 Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming the following 1 new member to the Boston Chapter: NEWS FLASH CGFM NOTES AGA CGFM Study Guides - Online New Members Georgette Beauchamp MA Office of the State Auditor Also, please remember that it is AGA Membership renewal time! New from AGA! You can now access the CGFM Study Guides on the go! Read, search and review the study guide content on your laptop, tablet or phone a convenient way to prepare for the CGFM Examinations. Upon purchasing the online version of each guide, you'll have immediate access to the entire publication for a period of 12 months. In addition, if a newer version of this study guide is published within this period, you'll also have access to the new version! Remember! It s not too late to apply for the CGFM scholarship We still have some available. Please contact Joseph Valchuis, Director of Professional Certification@ jvalchuis@gmail.com with any questions. Page 5

6 Volume , Issue 2 Boston s Beacon February August The Boston Chapter is proud to announce a new corporate sponsor R Carnegie Associates, Inc. R. Carnegie Associates has provided training to Government organizations since Our instructors are professional practitioners in their respective fields, with a minimum of ten years working in the audit community, at the state, city, and/or federal level. We have the capacity to design, develop, and deliver a wide rage of workshops relevant to audit, accounting, and investigations personnel. We can also help plan and manage agency or association conferences that assure maximum interest and participation. Their contact information is: R. Carnegie Associates, Inc. P.O.Box 1178 Upton, MA Toll Free Number: Membership Update The Boston Chapter membership includes: 312 Active Members 1 New Members 40 Suspended Members **************************** The Boston Chapter recognizes our new member multiple sponsors as of July 31, 2013 David LeBlanc Craig D. Merry Johanna Salvidio From the Editor Do you know someone in the Boston Chapter who has recently received promotion, accepted a new position, retired or won an award? Would you like to share your good news with fellow AGA members? Or maybe you re interested in writing a technical article for an upcoming issue of Boston s Beacon. Please forward submissions for the next issue of Boston s Beacon to Barry.Ahearn@MassMail.State.MA.US Thanks! SUDOKU Chapter Recognition Program The Chapter Recognition Program is designed to support, encourage, and promote the accomplishment of AGA s mission and to provide flexible noncompetitive guidelines for a wellrounded chapter. The Chapter Recognition Program year begins on June 1 st and concludes on May 31 st.. Boston Chapter credits as of July 31, 2013 are: Maximum Credits Credits % of Categories Credits Earned Allowed Avail Leadership, Planning & Participation 3, , % Education & Professional Development 4, % Certification 4, % Communications 3,000 1,524 1,524 51% Membership 3,000 1,725 1,725 58% Accountability % Community Service 2, % Awards 1,000 2,400 1, % Total 22,000 11,199 9,774 44% Assets Cash Boston Chapter Balance Sheet July 31, 2013 Checking Account $34,560 Savings Account 9,982 Certificates of Deposit 0 Total Cash $44,542 Total Accounts Receivable $6,860 Total Assets $51,402 Liabilities and Fund Balance Accounts Payable $ 0 Deferred Revenue - Seminars 0 Current Fund Balance $51,402 Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $51,402 Page 6

7 Speaker Database The AGA-Boston Chapter is building a speaker database. Do you know a dynamic speaker who you would like to see at an upcoming educational event? Are you a speaker who would like to be included in the database? Boston Chapter Corporate Sponsor August Quote Please send the speaker s name, address, phone number, address and potential topics to the Chapter s Vice President of Education - Julia Burns, CGFM at Julia.Burns@osc.state.ma.us M001-Solution Boston Chapter Corporate Sponsor SUDOKU ANSWER Then followed that beautiful season... Summer...Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Websites of Interest TRIVIA QUESTION! What gephyrophobia is a fear of? Boston s Beacon is published by the Association of Government Accountants Boston Chapter. Comments should be forwarded to Barry.Ahearn@sao.state.ma.us American Society for Public Admin (ASPA)... MA Chapter of ASPA... Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE)... Greater Boston Chapter of CFE... Association of Government Accountants... AGA Boston Chapter... AGA Aroostook County Chapter. AGA Hartford Chapter... AGA Maine Chapter... COSO... First Gov... Governmental Accounting Standards Board... Government Executive... Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)... IIA Greater Boston Chapter... Intergovernmental Audit Forum... International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP)... National Assoc of State Auditors, Comptrollers & Treasurers... National Assoc of State Comptrollers... National Assoc of State Treasurers... National State Auditors Association... National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council... Page 7

8 CEC Meeting Highlights The Boston Chapter Executive Committee met on Tuesday, July 9, Please note the following: Education: The Chapter will be returning to Bentley College for this year s RPDC. General discussions were held regarding next year s program of events. Community Service: This year, the Boston Chapter s Community Service Committee is again supporting the region s annual Stand Down. Membership: The Boston Chapter has 311 members. Boston Chapter AGA Website The Boston Chapter of the AGA has a new and improved award winning website. Please change your browser favorites to the following: Take a tour around the site and send your feedback, suggestions and thoughts to the webmaster or any chapter Officer or Director. Check the site often for updates and valuable information. Are you using social media? The Boston Chapter invites you to follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Fan Page, and/or join our LinkedIn Group. Our moniker is you guessed it Boston AGA! We plan to provide periodic updates regarding education sessions, community service events, etc. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julia Burns at BostonAGA@gmail.com. Citizen Centric Reporting The Association of Government Accountants, the thought leader for the government accountability profession, evaluates reports for the Certificate of Excellence in Citizen-Centric Reporting award. AGA determines award recipients based on content, visual appeal, readability, distribution, and timeliness of reporting. Trivia Answer Crossing bridges, from the Greek gephyro, bridge The Boston Chapter is proud to publish their very first Citizen Centric Report. To view a copy of the Chapter s first Citizen Centric Report, please go to our website at: Boston_Chapter_CCR.pdf Page 8

9 News from National Challenge your thinking on internal accountability and controls and learn how to lower the risks of wrongdoing in your organization. This training event will bring together leaders in government, academia and private industry to discuss the latest discovery techniques and lessons learned from various schemes. The event offers 14 hours of CPE to help you solve real internal control issues and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse. Who Should Attend? Senior-Level Managers and Executives CEOs and Presidents Auditors CPAs, Accountants, CGFMs Speakers Include: Janine Driver Body Language Expert New York Times Best Selling author of You Say More Than You Think (Random House), and most recently You Can't Lie To Me (HarperOne), popular keynote speaker, media expert for NBC's TODAY Show, 20/20, CNN, Anderson Cooper, Katie, and the Dr. Oz Show, and she's the founder, president, and lead instructor for the Body Language Institute (BLI). Frank Bucaro Ethics Expert Frank Bucaro s unique approach blends the serious subject of ethics with a humorous and high-energy presentation style. The result is a riveting and fun experience for the entire audience. As a speaker, business owner, consultant and author, Bucaro delivers a powerful message on the benefits of ethics and values for business growth and personal success. Page 9

10 New England Regional News Northeast Region Vice President Team Joseph Valchuis, CGFM, CFE Regional Vice President Boston Thalia Melendez Regional Vice President Elect New York Linda Gover Immediate Past Regional Vice President Northeast Regional Coordinators Thalia Melendez Regional Coordinator for Certification New York Colette C. Cormier Regional Coordinator for Membership & Early Careers Aroostook County Jane Gustowski Regional Coordinator for Chapter Development & Assistance Boston Julia P Burns, CGFM, Regional Coordinator for Education Boston julia.burns@state.ma.us Sare Giberson Co-Regional Coordinator of Accountability Sare.Giberson@dfas.mil Julia P Burns, CGFM, Co-Regional Coordinator of Accountability Shawn.mccracken@dfas.mil Meetings for the Hartford Chapter The Hartford Chapter Meetings are generally held at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from September to May. The meeting location is the Marco Polo Restaurant, 1250 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT. Hartford Chapter at Aroostook County Chapter Chapter CEC Meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month. General Membership Meetings are held as needed. The Christopher Home community service project is an on-going monthly project that AGA Aroostook County has participated over the past several months. If you are interested in getting involved in this project or other Community Service project please contact their Community Service Director. Aroostook County Chapter is building a new website: Maine Chapter Meetings Monthly meetings are held September through May of each year, and alternate between breakfast and luncheon times. Each meeting features a keynote speaker discussing events or programs currently impacting government and the state as a whole. Throughout the year, Maine AGA members perform several community service events, providing support to local children, veterans and homeless citizens. Maine Chapter at Page 10

11

12 Volume , Issue 2 Boston s Beacon February August Officers, Directors and Chairs John W. Beveridge, CGFM, CFE President Suzanne Bump Office: President Office: John.Beveridge@sao.state.ma.us Suzanne.Bump@sao.state.ma.us Wallace Alan Franklin, CGFM, CGA President-Elect Ernest Almonte, CGFM, CPA Office: Immediate Past President Office: Wallace.Franklin@SAO.state.ma.us ealmonte@almontegroupllc.com David A. LeBlanc, CGFM Immediate Martin Benison, Past President CGFM Newsletter President Editor Elect Office: dleblanc@doe.mass.edu Martin.Benison@state.ma.us Richard Sullivan, CPA Secretary Office: rsullivan@powersandsullivan.com Maria Patricia Mamakos (Tanona) Rydlak Treasurer Office: prydlak@doe.mass.edu mmamakos@doe.mass.edu Julia P. Burns, CGFM Shana Doiran Chapter Auditor Office: srozowsky@kpmg.com Julia P. Burns, CGFM Vice President for Education and Programs Office: Julia.Burns@state.ma.us Benjamin Howe, CPA, CFE Vice President for Planning Office: benjamin.howe@va.gov Barry Ahearn Vice President for Communication Newsletter Editor, Office: Barry.Ahearn@sao.state.ma.us Nick Dahl, CGFM Director of Bylaws and Procedures Office: Nicholas.Dahl@va.gov Jane Gustowski, CPA Director of Community Service Office: jgustowski@charter.net Shannon Gianatassio Vice President for Membership Director of Early Careers Office: Shannon.Parven@sao.state.ma.us William Muench, CGFM, CPA Director of Scholarships and Awards Office: wmuench@dcaa.mil Joseph Valchuis, CGFM, CFE, CFS Director of Professional Certification Office: jvalchuis@doe.mass.edu Mary T. Leyden, CGFM Career Day Chair Tel: David A. LeBlanc, CGFM, CFS Director at Large Ex-Officio &Webmaster Office: dleblanc@doe.mass.edu Craig Hall Director of Accountability Office: Craig.hall@state.ma.us Mary T. Leyden, CGFM Career Day Chair Tel: Association of Government Accountants Boston Chapter c/o 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA Platinum Chapter Page 12