# Financial Management Bootcamp for Federal Auditors Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/financial-management-bootcamp-for-federal-auditors-course-self-paced>

## Overview

This course provides a quick overview of the world of Federal financial management essential to the work of auditors/evaluators in conducting any type of review involving federal funds and resources. According to the Yellow Book, auditors should be alert to any instances of improper or illegal acts and abuse, which includes following the money from its authorization and appropriation through its explicit allowable use. Auditors have a specific role in assessing compliance with laws, regulations, and controls for the appropriate planning, use, and accountability of federal resources. This course provides special alerts to auditors about potential areas of concern or mismanagement.

## What you'll learn

- Understand the size/composition scope of the United States' annual budget, along with controls and compliance requirements.
- Know the phases of the Federal/Congressional Budget Cycle.
- Describe the titles, roles, and functions of federal financial management professionals.
- Understand the lifecycle of federal financial transactions from initial commitment to eventual expenditure.
- Know the functional connections between finance and procurement.
- Know the sources of authority that guide and control an Agency’s financial management activities.
- Recognize the restrictions and authorities on the communication of financial information.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: The Size and Scope of the National Budget

- Explore the U.S. national debt, annual deficit, and budget authority concepts
- Analyze mandatory vs. discretionary spending and spending trends
- Interpret real-time data on revenue and expenditures using government sources
- Understand the implications of deficit spending for federal auditors

#### Module 2: The Federal Budget Cycle

- Review the phases of the budget cycle from formulation to execution
- Understand budget authority, apportionment, allotments, and obligations
- Differentiate between reprogramming and illegal transfers of funds
- Explore year-end closeout practices, including unfunded requirements (UFRs)

#### Module 3: The Functions of Budget and Finance Professionals

- Meet key players in financial operations: CFOs, analysts, accountants, certifying officers
- Understand their roles in formulation, execution, reporting, and compliance
- Identify audit-relevant responsibilities of each function

#### Module 4: The Lifecycle of Federal Financial Transactions

- Follow a federal dollar from appropriation through disbursement
- Identify key internal controls and transaction documentation steps
- Understand how to detect and address unliquidated obligations (ULOs)

#### Module 5: Sources of Financial Authority and Internal Controls

- Review critical federal guidance including GAO’s Red Book, Green Book, and OMB Circulars
- Apply the Purpose, Time, and Amount tests for spending legitimacy
- Link funding to performance through the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

#### Module 6: Communications: Interactions and Restrictions

- Understand rules for communicating budget data within and outside the agency
- Navigate restrictions related to Congressional inquiries and the Anti-Lobbying Act
- Review OIG audit communication exceptions

#### Module 7: Wrapping It All Up

- Explore financial intelligence resources and government-wide collaboration forums
- Understand the role of technology in data integrity and auditability
- Reinforce the auditor's role in safeguarding federal funds and performance accountability

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $649