# Planning Audit Assignments Course Canonical URL: ## Overview Careful planning is the foundation of success in quickly completing quality performance audits. Recognizing that audits are projects, a structured approach is presented for planning performance audits that parallels project management principles. In this approach, you will learn - A risk method to apply in identifying value-added subjects and issues for audit. - How to formulate audit objectives that meet standards, make clear what an audit is to accomplish, and provide for obtaining evidence to determine the nature and extent of identified problems. - How to apply a step-by-step process in selecting the scope of work and methodology for obtaining evidence to answer the audit objectives. - How to document the audit plan using a design matrix, and Factors to consider in assigning staff to conduct the audit. ## What you'll learn - Explain the central role of objectives in performance auditing. - Use risk assessment to identify areas of vulnerability and performance improvement for audit. - Write objectives that make clear what the audit is to accomplish - Provide direction for planning and fieldwork, facilitate report writing, and meet auditing standards. - Apply a step-by-step approach in designing audits to achieve the objectives and use a matrix to document the design. - Cite factors to consider in determining staff and other resource needs. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Introduction - Review the phases of a performance audit from selection through reporting. - Clarify the role of performance auditors and typical users/stakeholders. - Discuss factors that drive audit success or failure and leadership responsibilities. - Connect project management concepts to planning audit assignments. #### Module 2: Audit Selection Phase - Define the audit universe and apply risk-based criteria to choose subjects. - Differentiate vulnerability, significance, and sensitivity when prioritizing topics. - Use weighted rating forms to rank candidates and set an annual plan. - Gather selection data from mandates, requests, prior audits, management, and media. #### Module 3: Survey Phase - Explain the survey’s role in confirming issues and shaping audit objectives. - Plan and run pre-/post-survey “story conferences” to align the team. - Identify stakeholders, criteria, controls, data availability, and a go/no-go decision. - Draft a survey plan and matrix to target questions, sources, and timelines. #### Module 4: Planning Phase—Defining Audit Objectives - Write precise, answerable objectives that specify subject, performance aspects, and finding elements. - Select the audit approach (accomplishments, processes/controls, impact, compliance, etc.). - Use subobjectives to identify data needs and to fully define condition, effect, and cause. - Document the plan in a design matrix for approval and execution. #### Module 5: Planning Phase—Selecting Scope and Methodology - Translate objectives into scope boundaries (time, universe, locations, transactions). - Choose data sources and collection/analysis methods that yield sufficient, appropriate evidence. - Balance design against constraints (time, cost, staff expertise) and test the plan. - Record design strategy, breadth of coverage, and limitations in the matrix. #### Module 6: Determining Staff and Other Resource Needs - Estimate skills, hours, budgets, and scheduling to support the planned methodology. - Assign roles, milestones, and communication routines for effective project control. - Incorporate quality control, supervision, and review touchpoints. #### Module 7: Planning—The Practice Application - Apply the full planning process in a case setting using templates and matrices. - Refine objectives, scope, and methods based on feasibility and stakeholder needs. - Produce a cohesive, management-approved audit plan ready for fieldwork. ## Schedule - Jun 1, 2026 – Jun 2, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 3, 2026 – Aug 4, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 22, 2026 – Sep 23, 2026 — Live Online - Nov 12, 2026 – Nov 13, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Mark Gebicke — Instructor Mark E. Gebicke is an accomplished consultant and instructor with over 50 years of experience in auditing, leadership, and federal program evaluation. A retired Senior Executive from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Mark spent two decades in GAO's Senior Executive Service, where he led performance reviews and provided congressional testimony on critical issues for agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. His expertise spans personnel, readiness, logistics, budget, operations, anti-terrorism, and weapon systems, as well as performance reviews for agencies like the Federal Reserve, U.S. Postal Service, and Department of Energy. In addition to his auditing and consulting work, Mark has been a dedicated instructor at Graduate School USA since 2008. He draws on his extensive experience to teach courses on auditing techniques, leadership, and project management. During his tenure at GAO, he also developed and implemented the agency's Professional Development Program, managing over 200 new staff annually and mentoring Senior Executive Service candidates. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from High Point University and a Master of Science in Governmental Administration from George Washington University, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to both GAO and Graduate School USA. ### Penny Popps — Instructor Penny N. Popps is an exceptional leader with 20+ years of private and public sector experience and expertise in the field of accounting, audit, compliance, risk management, fraud, and internal controls. She is the recipient of multiple public service, appreciation, recognition, and performance awards. And she’s currently devoted to teaching Financial Management courses at Graduate School USA as an Instructor. During her almost 15 years as a Federal Government Public Servant, she had many pivotal transformational leadership roles including being the 1st Fraud Risk Manager at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where she successfully helped to mature its Fraud Risk Management Program. She has a B.B.A in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Texas Woman’s University, Advanced Technical Certificate in Professional Accountancy from Dallas College, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) Financial Management Certifications along with an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Certification. Prior to SBA, she had a career at HUD that spans over six years managing projects that ensured the successful and efficient delivery of affordable, safe, and decent housing to U.S. citizens along with safeguarding HUD's programs from fraud, waste, and abuse. While at HUD she led multiple audit teams in the execution of complex quality control reviews of independent public accounting firms (Single Audits), CIGIE reviews, financial assessments, staffing studies, annual OMB A-123 risk assessment reviews for the Accountability, Integrity, & Risk (AIR) Program, etc. During her Federal Government career, she also was the Branch Chief of Financial Reporting at the DHS ICE OCFO, Office of FM-Financial Service Center. She oversaw the operations of both the Payroll and Fund Balance with Treasury Units for all DHS ICE components which processed approximately $5.2B in payroll transactions and reconciled $10.1B in cash transactions, achieving improved optimization of FM. For many years, she also successfully led and supervised audit teams at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) in which she recovered millions in questioned costs owed from contractors. And within state government, she recovered millions of sales and use tax dollars owed to the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts as she led various audits. All of her efforts ensured that taxpayer dollars were being utilized reasonably and efficiently. Popps’ many years of experience in the private sector included helping to build successful internal audit divisions at major corporations such as Essilor Group and Fossil Group. During her career, she continues to gain expertise and knowledge while paying it forward by mentoring, coaching, and training those new to the accounting, audit, compliance, risk management, fraud, and internal controls industries. Popps is very passionate about all her philanthropy and volunteer efforts, especially with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Junior League of Washington. It’s her mission to continue to provide service to all mankind during her career, in retirement, and throughout her life. She currently resides in Alexandria, VA and spends her leisure time reading. ### Lyndon S. Remias — Instructor Lyndon Remias is a trailblazer in the field of government auditing, known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to public accountability. With over 28 years of experience spanning public, private, and governmental sectors, Lyndon has built a reputation as a trusted expert in financial oversight and risk management. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)—credentials that reflect both his technical mastery and dedication to excellence. Lyndon’s career includes impactful roles at organizations such as the City of Virginia Beach, Amerigroup Corporation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, NEXCOM, Auditor of Public Accounts, and KPMG, where he honed his skills in operational auditing, compliance, and performance evaluation. His leadership extended into public service when he was elected to the Virginia Beach School Board, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and education. A passionate educator and thought leader, Lyndon has served as a seminar instructor for the Graduate School and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), earning recognition as a Distinguished Instructor for his engaging delivery and deep subject matter expertise. He has presented at numerous professional conferences and has held key leadership positions within the IIA and the Virginia Local Government Auditors Association (VLGAA), including serving as President of both organizations. Currently, Lyndon contributes to the profession as a peer review team leader for the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA), helping ensure audit quality and ethical standards across the country. A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, Lyndon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. In 2013, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from ODU’s Accounting Department for his outstanding contributions to the profession and the university. ### James T. Campbell — Instructor James T. Campbell is a subject matter expert in federal financial management with more than a decade of experience developing and teaching budgeting, accounting, auditing, and internal control courses at Graduate School USA. His background includes extensive federal management consulting and audit work as a Senior Principal Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and IBM Consulting Services, as well as a long career providing independent audit and review services with the U.S. Government Accountability Office. At Graduate School USA, James Campbell leads classes on internal control requirements, performance auditing, federal accounting, financial statements, analysis techniques, and budgeting. He has also served as lead SME for the design of several open-enrollment courses focused on decision support and analytical skills. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from East Tennessee State University, an M.P.A. from Georgia State University, and is an active member of the AICPA and the Association of Government Accountants. ### Angelo Capolupo — Instructor Angelo M. Capolupo is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with over 38 years of military service and more than four decades of federal financial management experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM), with a Master’s degree in Accounting from Rider University and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Throughout his career, Angelo has held senior financial leadership roles, including Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for the New Jersey Army & Air National Guard, as well as CFO for the New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. His expertise spans federal budgeting, accounting, auditing, internal controls, payroll, grants management, and federal appropriations law. Notably, he established centralized funding and accounting operations supporting over $1.7 billion in wartime funding during deployments to Iraq, Bosnia, and Germany. Angelo has taught federal financial management to audiences ranging from entry-level staff to senior executives and continues to bring real-world experience into the classroom. He joined the GSUSA instructor team in early 2024 and is committed to helping students understand federal financial practices through practical examples and historical context. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1049