Introduction to Governmental Accounting
Overview
Governmental accounting differs significantly from other forms of accounting and requires a distinct approach to financial reporting. This course introduces the foundational principles of governmental accounting, including fund accounting concepts and the modified accrual basis of accounting.
Participants will explore the structure and purpose of governmental fund financial statements and government-wide financial statements, gaining clarity on their objectives, layouts, and key elements. The course also addresses essential topics such as component units, the role and structure of Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), and the preparation and significance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Designed for those new to governmental accounting—or those seeking a refresher-this course provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying governmental financial reporting principles. The course has been updated to reflect recent guidance issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including GASB Statements 101-105.
Highlights
- Foundational principles of governmental accounting
- Fund accounting concepts
- Modified accrual basis of accounting
- Governmental fund financial statements
- Government-wide financial statements
- Component units in governmental reporting
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
All accounting/auditing professionals
Objectives
- Recall the requirements of governmental financial reporting
- Recognize organizations that follow governmental financial reporting standards
- Identify key elements of governmental financial statements
- Identify appropriate fund classifications used in governmental accounting
- Identify requirements for an entity to be considered a component unit
- Recognize the components of net position for different governmental fund types
Preparation
None
Notice
This course is offered by a 3rd party vendor and will not be accessible in the My CPE Tracker section of the ISCPA website. Course access information will be emailed directly to you by Accounting Continuing Professional Education Network (ACPEN).
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Melisa Galasso, Founder and CEO, Galasso Learning Solutions LLC
Melisa F. Galasso is the Founder and CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. A CPA with over 20 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting. Her passion is providing high-quality CPE that is meaningful, creates efficiencies and improves quality, and positively impacts ROI.
Melisa is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), and has earned the Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ designation. Her passion for instructional design and adult learning techniques is one of the differentiators that set her apart from other CPE providers.
Melisa serves as the Co-Chair of the NCACPA's A&A committee and as a Subject Matter Expert for the AICPA's Center for Plain English Accounting (CPEA). She has also served on the FASB's Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC), AICPA Council, and the AICPA's Women's Initiative Executive Committee (WIEC). She also previously served on the AICPA's Technical Issues Committee (TIC) and the VSCPA's Board of Directors. In addition, Melisa is the author of Money Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting which is available on Amazon or anywhere you purchase books online.
Melisa received a Top 50 Women in Accounting Award in 2021 by Ignition, was a 2020 Enterprising Women of the Year Award recipient and was honored as a "40 under 40" by CPA Practice Advisor in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She was named the 2019 Rising Star by her regional NAWBO chapter, received the Don Farmer award for achievement in technical content instruction, and has earned several other awards for public speaking and technical training.
Prior to establishing Galasso Learning Solutions, Melisa worked in public accounting, industry, internal audit, and academia.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and International Business from Georgetown University.
Melisa actively supports several causes that empower women. She is the Chair of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte. In 2023, she was one of 31 women selected as part of Dress for Success Charlotte's Power Hour. She also serves as the Education Chair for the Board of Directors for NAWBO Charlotte.
Non-Member Price $119.00
Member Price $89.00