Past Sessions

2024 GASB Update and Implementation Roadmap

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

In this session we will discuss recently issued GASB 100-103 as well as other projects GASB is working on. In addition, we will discuss how to build an implementation roadmap for your government that utilizes GASB’s assessed level of effort, industry/entity-specific impact, and availability of government resources.

Learning Objectives:

  • Assess how GASB’s 100-103 will impact your government.
  • Identify ongoing GASB projects.
  • Understand how to build a framework for creating your government’s implementation roadmap

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Accounting (Governmental)
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Scott Anderson - Cherry Bekaert
Danny Martinez - Cherry Bekaert



Helping New State and Local Leaders Manage Risk

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This course is designed to inform leaders or new organizations/organizational units about the benefits of an early risk assessment for their new organization to quickly identify high risks needing timely action as well as opportunities for improvement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn to quickly identify and address high-risk activities in their new organizations
  • Understand how to engage their staff in identifying quick win improvement opportunities
  • Begin to align organizational efforts to address risk areas and improve processes.

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Management Services
CPE Capability | Business Development
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Paul Folkers - Cherry Bekaert
Denise Lippuner - Cherry Bekaert



Unlocking Evidence: OMB’s new Uniform Grants Guidance

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget released new uniform guidance governing the administration of federal grants. This session will describe changes in the guidance and how state and local governments can tap grant funding to build and manage integrated data systems and unlock evidence to better manage grant programs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand OMB’s latest update of Uniform Grants Guidance
  • See what changes were included in the latest guidance
  • Learn practical steps to take to leverage grant funding to build and manage integrated data systems and unlock evidence to better manage grant programs

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Specialized Knowledge
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Robert Shea - GovNavigators
Kat Kizior - Cherry Bekaert



Fraud, Waste and Abuse in the Governmental Sector

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This session will include a discussion about identifying, documenting and quantifying fraud, waste and abuse in governmental entities.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify indicators of circumvention of internal controls
  • Learn about prevalent areas for fraudulent transactions.
  • Understand proper interview techniques

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Specialized Knowledge, Auditing (Governmental)
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

John Collier - Cherry Bekaert
Lori Smith - Cherry Bekaert



Data Analytics and The Art of the Possible

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The course will focus on the use of analytics in government, including examples of how analytics has been used to improve public sector, optimize resource allocation, and enhance citizen engagement. Participants will also learn about considerations in the use of analytics in government, including privacy concerns, data security, and AI.

Learning Objectives:

  • Build awareness of Public Sector use cases
  • Understand steps involved in building analytics center of excellence
  • Understand use of internal and public data sets to help make informed decisions

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Information Technology
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Jennifer Tobin - Cherry Bekaert
George DelPrete - Cherry Bekaert
Steve Thatcher - Cherry Bekaert
Joshua Craig - Cherry Bekaert



Trust in Government: Where Are We? Where Do We Go from Here?

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Trust in Government is low and on the decline. Multiple organizations have documented root causes for this sad situation. More importantly, in collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration, Cherry Bekaert has sought to define steps government can take to restore trust and regain faith of the American people.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the state of trust in government.
  • Learn the root causes of declining trust in government
  • Find out how governments can help restore trust in government.

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Specialized Knowledge
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Robert Shea - GovNavigators
Christian Fuellgraf - Cherry Bekaert



Crafting an Impeccable ACFR and Tips for Modernization

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

We will learn about some of the financial reporting model improvements prescribed by GASB 103. We will review key concepts that the GASB follows when deciding on financial statement disclosure requirements which may inform how we should look at financial statement notes. We will also look at the most common ACFR preparation mistakes and provide tools and resources to help your government avoid them. We will also share innovative ideas on how to reboot or refresh your ACFR’s clarity and readability.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand issued guidance on financial reporting model improvements.
  • Understand the purpose and focus of financial statement notes.
  • Understand how to avoid the most common ACFR preparation mistakes

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Accounting (Governmental)
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Scott Anderson - Cherry Bekaert
Lauren Strope - Cherry Bekaert LLP



Managing Cybersecurity Risk in the Public Sector

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

In this session, we’ll discuss an integrated approach to the development of risk based cybersecurity programs. Specifically, we will discuss specific areas of cybersecurity risks that public sector organizations face, and the types of cybersecurity risk mitigation that may need to be improved. Furthermore, we shall discuss risk-based approaches for reducing the vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, which requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Learning Objectives:  

  • Assess the state of play for public organizations and their cyber security programs.
  • Understand the importance of getting the attention of your organization’s leadership.
  • Learn how to respond appropriately once cybersecurity risks and gaps are identified.
  • Recognize the significance of incorporating various disciplines into cybersecurity measures, such as maturity and risk-based assessments.

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Information Technology
CPE Capability | Technical Expertise/Problem-Solving
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Solomon Ghberemeskel - Cherry Bekaert
Kurt Manske - Cherry Bekaert



Navigating the World of Indirect Cost and Maximizing Grant Funding

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

We’ll cover the basics of indirect costs, including calculation, and process of negotiating with the federal cognizant agency. We’ll focus on the multiple ways that indirect costs can be leveraged to maximize grant funding. We will also delve into how to secure and preserve unobligated ARPA funding before claw backs occur after the 12/31/24 obligation deadline.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the impact of indirect cost on general funds
  • Know how to support a successful outcome of grant programs
  • Learn how to preserve unobligated ARPA funding before claw backs occur 12/31/24

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Management Services, Specialized Knowledge, Auditing (Governmental), Accounting (Governmental)
CPE Capability | Business Development
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Christian Fuellgraf - Cherry Bekaert
Nicky Lettini - Cherry Bekaert



Value Analysis: A Case Study in Driving Customer Value

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This session will discuss the concepts of Value Analysis and how it can play a role in increasing the value an organization delivers to its customers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of Value Analysis
  • Learn the approach to conducting Value Analysis
  • Practice real-world application of Value Analysis

Delivery Method | Group Internet Based
Recommended CPE Credit | Up to 1 hour of CPE, pending approval 
Recommended Field(s) of Study | Management Services
CPE Capability | Client Service
Prerequisites | None 
Program Level | Basic 
Advanced Preparation | None 

Bob Misch - Cherry Bekaert
Anthony Pember - Cherry Bekaert



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