Our online training courses combine the quality training associated with the Institute of Government with the flexibility to meet the needs of busy government employees and elected officials. These courses allow students to progress through their chosen courses at their own pace and on their own schedules without the travel time and related travel expenses commonly accompanying traditional classroom training courses.
Our online training courses are fully self-contained. There are no additional textbooks to purchase. Everything is online…from registration to completion of the course. Even though there is no direct contact with an instructor in these courses, participants have access to qualified Carl Vinson Institute of Government faculty to answer questions and further explain concepts through designated email accounts.
Offered in partnership with the UGA’s Center for Continuing Education, our online courses cover important topics in financial and human resource management specific to state and local governments. Since their debut in 2001, the popularity of the online courses have grown, attracting not only students from Georgia, but nationwide and even internationally.
Accounting for Capital Assets Webinar-Local Government
(Three 1-hour sessions; 3 CE hours)
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting, depreciation, and impairment. Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to
define capital assets
recall the capital asset accounts provided in the local government chart of accounts
calculate a capital asset's value and depreciation
discuss the accounting entries for capital assets
explain the how to account for capital asset impairments
Accounting for Capital Assets Webinar-State Government
(Three 1-hour sessions; 3 CE hours)
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting, depreciation, and impairment. Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to
define capital assets
recall the capital asset accounts provided in the local government chart of accounts
calculate a capital asset's value and depreciation
discuss the accounting entries for capital assets
explain the how to account for capital asset impairments
Boards of Equalization and the Appeals Process
Developed by the Institute of Government in partnership with the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), this online course provides eight hours of continuing education for members and alternates of county boards of equalization, tax commissioners, tax assessors, and tax appraisers. The course fulfills the required annual continuing education requirement for board members. Ten comprehensive course lessons cover a broad overview of appraisal and equalization processes, updates on important concepts and terminology, and recent changes in statutory or case law.
The course may be taken once every four years by Tax Commissioners, Tax Appraisers, and Tax Assessors who are eligible to receive credit for the course.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The Georgia Department of Revenue awards pre-qualified Board of Equalization members and alternate members a Letter of Completion upon completion of the course. Others eligible to receive credit for this course may request a Certificate of Completion and the award of credit from the Department of Revenue. The University of Georgia awards 0.8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
This online course is designed primarily for state and local governmental employees who require knowledge of the local government capital improvement program process. The course also fulfills a Level 1 requirement for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Government Finance Officer Certification Program.
Government entities, such as municipalities, school districts, and recreation departments, use a capital improvement program (CIP) to systematically evaluate potential projects. This 12-hour course will familiarize you with the capital improvement plan process, review why governments need a CIP and how it relates to operating budgets, the different components in the development of a CIP, the process of performing a capital needs assessment, and the basic concepts and terminology in preparing and implementing a CIP.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
Capital Improvement Program Overview Online Course - Local Government
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process from the beginning stages of assessing the capital needs and requests, developing the capital plan and budget during the budget process, determining the appropriate funding sources and managing capital projects after budget adoption. Some of the information included in the course pertains directly to Georgia. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of capital budgeting and planning process.
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in development or administration of the capital budgeting and planning process.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Capital Improvement Program Online Course - Municipal Elected Officials
This online course is an elective course for the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute and is designed to provide an overview of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process from the beginning stages of assessing the capital needs and requests, developing the capital plan and budget during the budget process, determining the appropriate funding sources and managing capital projects after budget adoption. Some of the information included in the course pertains directly to Georgia. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again. Recommended internet is at least DSL with a speed of 3mbps.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of capital budgeting and planning process.
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in development or administration of the capital budgeting and planning process.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This online course is designed primarily for state and local governmental employees who require knowledge of the issuance of debt in governments. The course also fulfills a Level 1 requirement for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Government Finance Officer Certification Program.
This course familiarizes students with basic concepts and terminology in the issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds and provides industry best practices. By completing this 12-hour online course, students will gain knowledge and skills that will help them understand the process of issuing debt in a government.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
Essentials of Financial Management - Charter Schools Board Member Training
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in government finance.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? Veteran charter board members of locally-approved non-profit charter schools
Advance Preparation: None. Meets the 3-hour financial governance training for veteran charter board members. Includes “bonus” content on the importance of safeguarding assets. Identifies control activities for fraud prevention and detection for common transactions. Total course length: 4 hours
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Essentials of Financial Management - Charter Schools Financial Management Certification Program
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in government finance.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries.
Advance Preparation: None.
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Essentials of Financial Management - Libraries
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in government finance.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Essentials of Financial Management - Local Government
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in government finance.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Essentials of Financial Management - State Government
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in government finance.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is a self-study training course approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) for 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit for Hearing Officers, members and alternate members of County Boards of Equalization, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers, and Assessment Contractors. Board of Equalization members and alternate members may complete the course during the first year of a reappointment term and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit. Hearing Officers, Tax Commissioners, Tax Appraisers, Tax Assessors, and Assessment Contractors may complete the class annually and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit.
This course identifies the categories of real and personal property that are exempt from ad valorem taxation along with the federal and state laws granting the specific exemptions and noteworthy court cases for precedents and clarification.
Successful graduates of this course will receive 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Georgia. Those pre-qualified Hearing Officers, Board of Equalization members and alternate members, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers and Assessment Contractors will receive a Letter of Completion from the Georgia Department of Revenue. The Letter of Completion will be emailed in the month following successful completion of the course.
This course is a self-study training course approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) for 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit for Hearing Officers, members and alternate members of County Boards of Equalization, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers and Assessment Contractors. Board of Equalization members and alternate members may complete the course during the first year of a reappointment term and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit. Hearing Officers, Tax Commissioners, Tax Appraisers, Tax Assessors and Assessment Contractors may complete the class annually and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit.
This course will update you on hearing officer’s administrative processes and procedures, any recent changes in statutory or case law, and changes to important concepts and terminology.
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the course with the exception of board of equalization members and alternates who may only enroll to receive credit during the first year of a reappointment term to the board.
Successful graduates of this course will receive 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Georgia. Those pre-qualified Hearing Officers, Board of Equalization members and alternate members, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers, and Assessment Contractors will receive a Letter of Completion from the Georgia Department of Revenue. The Letter of Completion will be emailed in the month following successful completion of the course.
Human Resources: An Online Course for Governmental Officials
This online course is designed to acquaint elected officials and staff with the fundamentals of human resources management. The course gives students a solid understanding of interview and hiring processes, employee performance appraisal, and basic legal issues related to government employment.
The course includes information on personnel law and the basics of human resource management, including the day-to-day issues facing human resource staffs, the role of the personnel manager, and methods for establishing and adhering to sound personnel policies and procedures.
The online course fulfills a course requirement for certificates for elected officials. County commissioners can take the class for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s (ACCG) County Commissioners Training Program. Mayors and city council members can use the course to fulfill a requirement for the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
This online course is designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of local government budgeting. The course fulfills a Level II requirement for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officer Certification program.
This course teaches students how to develop a budget and use it as a policy document, communications device, financial plan, and management tool. In this 12-hour course, students will learn how budgeting is different in the public sector, different methods of performance measurement, how to analyze and forecast both revenues and expenditures, how to communicate the budget to interested parties, and how to monitor the budget once adopted.
Introductory Budget is a prerequisite for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
Intermediate Governmental Accounting
This online course is the third of a three-course program designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of governmental accounting. The other two are Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I and Part II. After completing Introductory Governmental Accounting Parts I and II, students can continue to grow their knowledge of financial reporting in state and local governments through this course.
This course focuses on how transactions are reported in external financial statements required for state and local governments. This course is required for completion of the Georgia State Certificate Program and the Georgia Local Government Certification Program.
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I and Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part II are prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 3.6 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, upon successful completion of all three accounting courses, a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who are not employed by either the State of Georgia or any Georgia local government.
Internal Controls – Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements
This course is one of a series of four internal control courses designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of basic internal controls. The other three internal control courses offered in this series include Internal Controls—Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts, Internal Controls—Payroll and Internal Controls—Capital Assets.
This 6-hour course targets the comprehensive internal controls that should exist for accounts payable and cash disbursements in a governmental environment.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who complete the four-course series in a 12-month period. Additionally, this course fulfills elective requirements for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officers Certification program.
Internal Controls – Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts
This course is one of a series of four internal control courses designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of basic internal controls. The other three internal control courses offered in this series include Internal Controls—Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements, Internal Controls—Payroll and Internal Controls—Capital Assets.
This 6-hour course familiarizes students with the components of a comprehensive internal control system and the importance of internal controls.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who complete the four-course series in a 12-month period. Additionally, this course fulfills elective requirements for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officers Certification program.
Internal Controls – Capital Assets
This course is one of a series of four internal control courses designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of basic internal controls. The other three internal control courses offered in this series include Internal Controls—Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements, Internal Controls—Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts, and Internal Controls—Payroll.
This 6-hour course familiarizes students with the components of a comprehensive internal control system and the importance of internal controls, the comprehensive internal controls that should exist for capital assets, and what is required for a proper segregation of duties for managing capital assets.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who complete the four-course series in a 12-month period. Additionally, this course fulfills elective requirements for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officers Certification program.
This course is one of a series of four internal control courses designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of basic internal controls. The other three internal control courses offered in this series include Internal Controls—Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements, Internal Controls—Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts, and Internal Controls—Capital Assets.
This 6-hour course explains the components of a comprehensive internal control system and the importance of internal controls, the comprehensive internal controls that should exist for payroll, and what is required for a proper segregation of duties for payroll.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who complete the four-course series in a 12-month period. Additionally, this course fulfills elective requirements for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officers Certification program.
This course is designed primarily for state and local governmental employees who require knowledge of the local government budget process. The course also fulfills a Level 1 requirement for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officer Certification program.
This 12-hour course familiarizes students with the basic concepts and terminology in preparing and implementing a local government budget. Students learn types of budgets and their components, how to prepare revenue estimates and budget summaries, the process of creating, implementing and monitoring a budget, and how to establish budgetary controls and budgets for contingencies.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course.
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I
In this 24-hour course, students become familiar with basic accounting systems, elements of financial reports, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for state and local governments. After progressing through each lesson, students will complete a timed course examination.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 2.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, upon successful completion of all three accounting courses (Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I; Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part II; and Intermediate Governmental Accounting) a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who are not employed by either the State of Georgia or any Georgia local government.
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part II
In this 24-hour course, students build on the knowledge obtained in Introductory Governmental Accounting Part I, gaining additional skills in all phases of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I is a prerequisite for this course. The University of Georgia awards 2.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Also, upon successful completion of all three accounting courses (Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I; Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part II; and Intermediate Governmental Accounting) a Certificate of Completion from the University of Georgia is awarded to all enrollees who are not employed by either the State of Georgia or any Georgia local government. Additionally, the course fulfills a Level I requirement for Georgia local government employees who are enrolled in the Local Finance Officer Certification program.
Local Government Debt Methods - Local Government
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the debt administration process within a government. The course will focus on the reasons governments borrow money, short-term versus long-term debt, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), debt policy, common types of debt issued and players in the debt process, method of sale, bond documents and continuing disclosure and refunding process. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of debt process for governments
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in development or administration of debt within a government
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Local Government Debt Methods - Municipal Elected Officials
This online course is an elective course for the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute and is designed to provide an overview of the debt administration process within a government. The course will focus on the reasons governments borrow money, short-term versus long-term debt, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), debt policy, common types of debt issued and players in the debt process, method of sale, bond documents and continuing disclosure and refunding process. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again. Recommended internet is at least DSL with a speed of 3mbps.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of debt process for governments
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in development or administration of debt within a government
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Open Meetings - Charter Schools Financial Management Program
This online course is for elected Georgia Public School Board of Education members and board members of locally-approved charter schools.
This course will provide an overview of Georgia’s open meetings law. The content is intended and designed for those who work with or in local governments. This includes school systems or charter schools.
This course will define meetings, explain rules designed to afford public access, and identify the narrow exceptions to openness. Possible penalties resulting from violations of open meeting laws will also be discussed. Practical examples and references to case law are provided to assist with interpretation of open meetings law requirements.
Open Meetings Open Records - Local Government
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the Open Meetings Open Records laws and procedures for Georgia local governments. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of local government
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government in Georgia.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Open Meetings Open Records - Municipal Elected Officials
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the Open Meetings Open Records laws and procedures for Georgia local governments. It is a required course for the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute’s certificate programs for Certificates of Recognition, Achievement, Excellence, and Distinction and Dedication. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again. Recommended internet is at least DSL with a speed of 3mbps.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of local government
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government in Georgia.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This 12-hour course exposes students to basic concepts and terminology for understanding purchasing in a governmental environment.
There are no prerequisites for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Additionally, this course meets a Level I core course requirement in the Local Finance Officer Certification program for local governmental personnel in the State of Georgia.
This course is designed primarily for state and local government employees who require knowledge of the different types of revenues generated in governments.
This 12-hour course familiarizes students with the types of revenues that governments typically generate. Students will also learn the history of revenue types and about current trends in governmental revenue administration.
There is no prerequisite for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Additionally, this course meets a Level II core course requirement in the Local Finance Officer Certification program for local governmental personnel in the State of Georgia.
This course is a self-study training course approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) for 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit for members and alternate members of County Boards of Equalization, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers, and Assessment Contractors. Board of Equalization members and alternate members may complete the course during the first year of a reappointment term and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit. Tax Commissioners may complete the course annually and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit. Tax Appraisers, Tax Assessors and Assessment Contractors may complete the class once every four years and receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Credit.
This course will update you on administrative, appraisal and equalization processes and procedures, any recent changes in statutory or case law, and updates on important concepts and terminology.
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course for members and alternative members of Georgia County Boards of Equalization, Tax Commissioners, and Assessment Contractors. Tax Assessors must have successfully completed their Foundation Courses as prerequisites. Tax Appraisers must have successfully completed Course 1 - Certification for Assessors, Course 1A - Assessment Fundamentals and the Specialized Assessments 20 hour class as prerequisites before enrolling in Specialized Assessments.
Successful graduates of this course will receive 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Georgia. Those pre-qualified Board of Equalization members and alternate members, Tax Commissioners, Tax Assessors, Tax Appraisers, and Assessment Contractors will receive a Letter of Completion from the Georgia Department of Revenue. The Letter of Completion will be emailed in the month following successful completion of the course.
Taking Responsibility for Your Financial Statements - Local Government
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the importance of internal controls over financial reporting, auditor and auditee responsibilities of an audit engagement, and how to use the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts checklist as a control tool when preparing financial statements. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of accounting and auditing
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Taking Responsibility for Your Financial Statements - State Government
This online course is designed to provide an overview of the importance of internal controls over financial reporting, auditor and auditee responsibilities of an audit engagement, and how to use the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts checklist as a control tool when preparing financial statements. Final exam is required with a minimum score of 70%, one retest is allowed. Should you not pass the second attempt, you will be required to register for the course again.
Participants will earn 3.0 CPE Credits or 3.0 CEU credits
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of accounting and auditing
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is designed primarily for state and local governmental employees who require knowledge of the local government treasury management process. Local government financial personnel need a thorough understanding of treasury, which encompasses cash flow forecasting, disbursements, collections, relationships with banks and investments firms, and so much more.
This 12-hour course familiarizes students with the legal and political considerations and parameters within which a treasury management system functions. Students also learn how governments utilize investment economics and various investment alternatives. In addition, students learn about banking systems and how they affect local government treasury management and the concepts of contracting for banking services.
There is no prerequisite for this course. The University of Georgia awards 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of this course. Additionally, this course meets a Level I core course requirement in the Local Finance Officer Certification program for local governmental personnel in the State of Georgia.