The Federal Financial Process: An Overview

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for Federal employees and contractors who want a comprehensive overview of Federal financial systems, processes, rules, and regulations.  Both financial and nonfinancial personnel will benefit from learning how the various components of Federal finance work together, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, appropriations, etc.

Course Overview

In this course, you will receive a thorough overview of the pertinent laws, rules, and regulations governing Federal financial management.  You will also cover a range of Federal financial management practitioner areas, including basic government operations, planning, budgeting, accountability, accounting principles and standards, performance goals and measures, financial systems and operations, management controls, appropriations, and reporting.  NOTE: This course was formerly called Federal Financial Management: An Introduction

Course Agenda

1.  Basic Government Operations

     Agency Statutory Requirements

         -Authorizations and Appropriations

     Agency Structure, Mission, and Purpose

     Administrative Priorities

     Central Agency Oversight

       - OMB, GSA, Treasury, and OPM
      
     Legislation, Rulings, and Executive Orders

         - Public Laws
         - Circulars
         - Bulletins
         - Agency Directives
         - Comptroller General Decisions

2.  Planning, Budgeting, and Accountability

     Strategic Planning Process

        - Establishing Agency Strategic Goals and Objectives
        - Performance Goals and Reportable Measures
        - Strategic Planning, Coordination, and Budgeting
        - Defending Programs and Appropriations to OMB and Appropriations Committees

     Financial Operations

        - Financial and Budget Execution
        - Financial and Budget Policies and Procedures
        - Appropriations Structure
        - Congressional and Central Agency Reporting of Financial Data

     Asset and Project Management

       - Managing Financial Systems and Capital Investments
       - Project Implementation, Problem Identification, and Resolution
       - Procurement and Implementation of Financial Systems

3.  General Management

     Basic Techniques of Financial Management

       - Economic Analysis
       - Internal Controls
       - Auditing of Financial Programs
       - Program Evaluation

     Basic Financial Analysis and Review

       - Activity Based Cost Accounting
       - Program and Financing Analytics
       - Operational Performance Measurements and Strategic Goals Analysis

     Organizational Structure

       - Organizational Development
       - Organizational Concepts and Analysis Techniques
       - Productivity Measurement
   
4.  Federal Accounting Principles

      - United States Standard General Ledger
      - Account Classification Structure
      - Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
      - Financial Reporting
      - Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Concepts (SFFAC) and Standards (SFFAS)
      - Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)

5.  Strategic Vision

      - Understanding Agency Purpose and Strategic Planning
      - Innovating Creative Solutions to Complex Financial Problems
      - Leading Change and Developing Coalitions