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.
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.
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.
Exempt Properties
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.
Hearing Officer Annual Update
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.
Specialized Assessments
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.
Essentials of Financial Management
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
Online Accounting for Capital Assets
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting,
depreciation, and impairment.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting related of capital assets.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for developing or maintaining capital asset records.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Essentials of Financial Management
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
Online GASB 84: Practical Guidance for Accounting for Fiduciary Activities
This course is designed to provide an overview and practical guidance for implementing GASB Statement No. 84, Fiduciary Activities.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of fund accounting
Who Should Attend: This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Internal Control for Payroll
Payroll is the most significant expenditure in a government's budget. As such, the process would benefit from a strong system of internal control. This online course will focus on the five components of internal control as related to the payroll process. At the end of this course, you will be able to define the payroll process, recall components and principles of internal control, and explain how creating and documenting a system of internal control can assist management in meeting payroll objectives.
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: Group Internet Based
Online Safeguarding Against Fraud
The purpose of this session is to provide a brief overview of the common types of fraud occurring within governments as well as provide the participant with tools to prevent and/or detect those frauds.
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: Group Internet Based
This online course is for elected Georgia Public School Board of Education members and board members of locally-approved charter schools.
This course is designed to provide an overview of the Open Meetings laws and procedures for Georgia schools. 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.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of local government
Who should attend? This session is for anyone involved in schools in Georgia.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course will focus on the financial analysis of a government's audited financial statements as a means to provide information on the entity's financial health to the governing body, and effective methods for presenting the annual audited financial statements to the jurisdiction's governing body.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for providing financial analysis.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Annual GAAP Update Webinar
January 16, 23 and 30, 2020
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Internal Control - Assessing Risk Related to Information Technology
February 4 & 11, 2020
The purpose of this two part series is to provide a brief overview of the internal control component of assessing risk related to information technology within an organization and provide the participant with control activities to assist in mitigating against the risks.
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 course will focus on roles of the board and staff in the budget preparation process, estimating revenues and expenditures, projection of ending fund balance, budget justification, and budget monitoring.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Governmental Accounting for Libraries
This course will introduce the participant to basic accounting concepts for governmental funds. Topics covered include the accounting equation, chart of accounts, double entry accounting, accounting systems and records, fund accounting, basis of accounting, payroll and benefit accounting, and a case study.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Internal Control for Libraries
This course will introduce the participant to the five components of internal controls: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring. Discussion will include the importance of internal controls for libraries including high risk areas libraries should consider.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Payroll Administration for Libraries
This course will focus on the following topics important to the payroll process: Fair Labor Standards Act, new employee documentation, compensation calculation through the W-2 process, benefits including insurance and pensions, payroll taxes and remittances, payroll deductions, reporting and recording payroll, and internal controls related to payroll and payroll resources.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course will focus on topics important to the purchasing process from determining needs to receipt of purchased goods and services.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course will focus on the policies important to libraries including Accounting and Financial Reporting, Budget, Revenue, Expenditures, Fund Balance, Capital Asset, Cash and Investments, and Purchasing.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone working in library financial management including business managers, library directors and similar staff.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Accounting for Capital Assets
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting,
depreciation, and impairment.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting related of capital assets.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for developing or maintaining capital asset records.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Essentials of Financial Management
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
Online GASB 84: Practical Guidance for Accounting for Fiduciary Activities
This course is designed to provide an overview and practical guidance for implementing GASB Statement No. 84, Fiduciary Activities.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of fund accounting
Who Should Attend: This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Internal Control for Payroll
Payroll is the most significant expenditure in a government's budget. As such, the process would benefit from a strong system of internal control. This online course will focus on the five components of internal control as related to the payroll process. At the end of this course, you will be able to define the payroll process, recall components and principles of internal control, and explain how creating and documenting a system of internal control can assist management in meeting payroll objectives.
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: Group Internet Based
Online Open Meetings Open Records
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
Online Safeguarding Against Fraud
The purpose of this session is to provide a brief overview of the common types of fraud occurring within governments as well as provide the participant with tools to prevent and/or detect those frauds.
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: Group Internet Based
This course will focus on the financial analysis of a government's audited financial statements as a means to provide information on the entity's financial health to the governing body, and effective methods for presenting the annual audited financial statements to the jurisdiction's governing body.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for providing financial analysis.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Annual GAAP Update Webinar
January 16, 23 and 30, 2020
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Internal Control - Assessing Risk Related to Information Technology
February 4 & 11, 2020
The purpose of this two part series is to provide a brief overview of the internal control component of assessing risk related to information technology within an organization and provide the participant with control activities to assist in mitigating against the risks.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
This course will provide an overview of the capital improvement process, the importance of the strategic plan, budget policy, and the comprehensive plan in the development of the CIP, prioritizing requests, various funding options for the CIP as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, and elements in managing the CIP and CIP balances after adoption of the plan by the governing authority.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
This course will provide an overview of debt instruments available to local governments, the difference between a competitive and negotiated sale of municipal securities, the requirements and limitations of Georgia statutes as they relate to issuance of debt, the bond rating process, roles and responsibilities of the various players for a bond issuance, and the components of official statements used in debt offerings.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
This course will provide an overview of an efficient budget preparation process, the importance of budget policy, the role of revenue estimating and forecasting, various budget types, State of Georgia laws that govern budgeting, components of a quality budget presentation, and various elements of budgetary control and administration.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part I
This course will focus on the basic accounting equation, how certain transactions affect the accounting equation and the relationship of the balance sheet and the operating statement at the fund level. It also provides instruction on how to record financial transactions using the modified accrual basis of accounting at the fund level.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Introductory Governmental Accounting, Part II
Introductory Governmental Accounting Part II builds on the basic governmental concepts that were discussed in Introductory Governmental Accounting Part I. It examines in detail the principles and procedures of sound record keeping and the maintenance of accurate financial data.
Prerequisites: Introductory Governmental Accounting Part I
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
This course will provide an overview of the procurement function and purchasing process, formal and informal purchasing methods, purchasing documentation, records management and purchasing ethics.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
This course will provide an overview of cash management, banking services, cash flow forecasting, collection methods available and strategies to improve collections, managing disbursements, types of investment instruments, applying the basic concepts of internal control to treasury management, and the importance of proper staffing and supervision of the treasury management function.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
This course will provide an overview of the differences between public and private sector budgeting, performance budgeting, revenue analysis and forecasting, property taxes and the millage setting process, expenditure analysis and forecasting, communicating the budget and budget document, and monitoring the budget.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Intermediate Governmental Accounting
Intermediate Governmental Accounting examines the governmental environment and how governmental GAAP have been designed to meet the objectives of financial reporting in governments. This course concentrates on financial reporting in governments and looks at the financial reporting model as prescribed by GASBS 34, ending with an exercise reconciling the governmental fund level financial statements to the government-wide financial statements.
Prerequisites: Introductory Governmental Accounting Part I and II
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
This course will provide an overview of the five components of internal control: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
This course will provide an overview of revenue administration including the importance of revenue policies, primary local government revenue streams, and how to improve revenue collections.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This course is for local government accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for oversight and administration of a local government’s finances.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Online Accounting for Capital Assets
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting,
depreciation, and impairment.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting related of capital assets.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for developing or maintaining capital asset records.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Capital Improvement Program Overview Online Course
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
Online Essentials of Financial Management
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
Online GASB 84: Practical Guidance for Accounting for Fiduciary Activities
This course is designed to provide an overview and practical guidance for implementing GASB Statement No. 84, Fiduciary Activities.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of fund accounting
Who Should Attend: This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Internal Control for Payroll
Payroll is the most significant expenditure in a government's budget. As such, the process would benefit from a strong system of internal control. This online course will focus on the five components of internal control as related to the payroll process. At the end of this course, you will be able to define the payroll process, recall components and principles of internal control, and explain how creating and documenting a system of internal control can assist management in meeting payroll objectives.
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: Group Internet Based
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.
Online Local Government Debt Methods
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
Online 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
Online Safeguarding Against Fraud
The purpose of this session is to provide a brief overview of the common types of fraud occurring within governments as well as provide the participant with tools to prevent and/or detect those frauds.
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: Group Internet Based
Online Taking Responsibility for Your Financial Statements
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 will focus on the financial analysis of a government's audited financial statements as a means to provide information on the entity's financial health to the governing body, and effective methods for presenting the annual audited financial statements to the jurisdiction's governing body.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for providing financial analysis.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Annual GAAP Update Webinar
January 16, 23 and 30, 2020
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Internal Control - Assessing Risk Related to Information Technology
February 4 & 11, 2020
The purpose of this two part series is to provide a brief overview of the internal control component of assessing risk related to information technology within an organization and provide the participant with control activities to assist in mitigating against the risks.
Interim Financial Reporting
April 21, 2020
Interim financial reporting will cover best practices in preparing interim financial reports in local governments.
Property Taxes A-Z
June 5, 12, 19, 2020
Property taxes A-Z will cover the property tax cycle from the assessment of the tax digest to the creation of property tax bills.
Capital Improvement Program Online Course
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
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 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
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
Online Accounting for Capital Assets
This course will provide an overview of capital assets including the valuation, accounting,
depreciation, and impairment.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting related of capital assets.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for developing or maintaining capital asset records.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Essentials of Financial Management
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
Online GASB 84: Practical Guidance for Accounting for Fiduciary Activities
This course is designed to provide an overview and practical guidance for implementing GASB Statement No. 84, Fiduciary Activities.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of fund accounting
Who Should Attend: This session is for anyone involved in preparing or auditing state and local financial statements
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Online Internal Control for Payroll
Payroll is the most significant expenditure in a government's budget. As such, the process would benefit from a strong system of internal control. This online course will focus on the five components of internal control as related to the payroll process. At the end of this course, you will be able to define the payroll process, recall components and principles of internal control, and explain how creating and documenting a system of internal control can assist management in meeting payroll objectives.
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: Group Internet Based
Online Safeguarding Against Fraud
The purpose of this session is to provide a brief overview of the common types of fraud occurring within governments as well as provide the participant with tools to prevent and/or detect those frauds.
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: Group Internet Based
Online Taking Responsibility for Your Financial Statements
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 will focus on the financial analysis of a government's audited financial statements as a means to provide information on the entity's financial health to the governing body, and effective methods for presenting the annual audited financial statements to the jurisdiction's governing body.
Prerequisites: Knowledge in state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Who Should Attend? This session is for state and local governmental accounting and financial reporting professionals and others responsible for providing financial analysis.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Annual GAAP Update Webinar
January 16, 23 and 30, 2020
This course is designed to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in GAAP.
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend? This session is for anyone involved in state or local government, schools or libraries financial management.
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Internal Control - Assessing Risk Related to Information Technology
February 4 & 11, 2020
The purpose of this two part series is to provide a brief overview of the internal control component of assessing risk related to information technology within an organization and provide the participant with control activities to assist in mitigating against the risks.