Understanding the Importance of Soft Controls in Improving Operations AN AGA TRAINING AUDIO CONFERENCE  November 12, 2008 2 CPE Hours Available!

AGA, in conjunction with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT) and the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) is pleased to announce a new and increasingly important topic to our audio conference schedule—the role that Soft Internal Controls plays in an organization.

View “soft controls” in a way that goes beyond current accepted models. Hear why soft controls are a required component of effective management and what has made them so difficult to implement. Learn how certain research on employee motivation suggests using soft controls to recognize opportunities to improve organization performance. Discover why “soft controls” may be a misnomer and explore the concept of “behavioral controls” as a better way to detect and prevent the opportunity for fraud to occur.

To share their practical experiences in auditing and teaching about the role of soft internal controls is Mark B. Mitchell, MBA, CGFM, CIA, Audit Director, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Michael L. Piazza, MBA, Director of Program Development and Training for the Institute of Internal Controls.

Please join us for two hours of lively discussion about this important and timely topic. In addition to the speaker’s commentary, there will be approximately 20 minutes for Q & A so that the participants can ask the speaker questions and share their own experiences.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Time: 2 – 3:50 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Learning Objectives: To obtain an understanding of soft internal controls and its importance in improving operations

Prerequisite: Some familiarity with internal control concepts

Advance Prep: None required     

CPE: Two credit hours

Field of Study: Accounting and Auditing

Cost: $249 per site (UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE) if you register on or before Friday, November 7, 2008 and $299 thereafter. SPECIAL PROMOTION: Government agencies and CPAG members who register five or more office will receive a 20 percent discount ($200 per site)

To Register: 1) Register online 2) Print the registration form or Special Promotion Registration and fax it to 703.684.6933

This audio conference offers important information to almost everyone in the accountability profession. Please share this program announcement with others in your government, chapters, educational institutions and private firms. Remember, there is no limit to attendance per phone site. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Maria Lucas at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 308, or mlucas@agacgfm.org. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Raymond Harris, CGFM, ext. 339, or rharris@agacgfm.org.