boston’s beaco - aga boston chapter · boston’s beacon volume 2012-2013 ... page 1 inside this...

Boston’s Beacon Volume 2012-2013, Issue 8 February 2013

Inside this Issue

AGA Boston PDC Program…..3&4

Chapter Balance Sheet...................7

Chapter Recognition Program….. 7

Citizen Centric Reporting………..9

CEC Meeting Highlights…………9

CGFM News .................................5

Community Service Notes .............2

Member News……………………5

Membership Application ............. 12

Monthly Meetings & Training …6

National Office News……….…..10

New England News…...……… 11

Officers & Directors List……….13

Trivia…..………………..…....…..8

Websites………………...………..8

Calendar of Events Boston Chapter

Local

March 14, 2013

Regional Professional

Development

Conference

Bentley University,

Waltham, MA

National

Feb 12 - 13, 2013

11th Annual National

Leadership

Conference

Washington, DC

President’s Message

Well the winter has arrived and we are deeply involved in our roles

as Government Accountability officials. Whether we work for Fed-

eral, State, Local Governments or accounting firms, we are the first

line of defense for government financial accountability. In our world of limited

resources and unlimited needs we need to use our skills to exercise leadership

by providing the highest levels of advice and counsel.

Your AGA is your resource to improve your skills and provide you with the

tools to excel in this wonderful profession. Whether it is new GASB, FASB or

FASAB standards, we can help you to clarify the requirements. Let me list

some of the ways that our Chapter and the National AGA are providing re-

sources at your finger tips; 1. A New Career Center! Check out the revised ca-

reer center - http://www.agacgfm.org/Career-Center/Overview.aspx

Articles, tips and checklists for every level of job seeker

Job Bank – post or search for a position

Coming soon: Mentoring program

2. Boston AGA Website - www.agaboston.org 3. National website - www.

agacgfm/org 4. Our seminars and networking events - look at listings on our

website 5. Networking with our fellow members 6. Access to national leaders

in our profession 7. Much more

There is so much more to being a member other than paying dues. Please con-

sider getting involved by volunteering in our chapter. I have always advised

professionals to volunteer. There are many positive reasons to volunteering,

Your network will increase dramatically, your communication skills will im-

prove, your organizational skills will improve and your leadership skills will

greatly improve. There is no command and control system in volunteering,

You will learn to motivate others even when they don't have to do what you ask

of them. Volunteering has greatly improved my skills and will do the same for

you as well. The best part of all is the wonderful feeling you get by helping

others. Try it and you will smile more.

Take care,

Ernie Almonte, CPA CGFM

Save the Date!

Regional Professional Development Conference

Bentley University, Waltham, MA Mar-14th

Volume 2012-2013, Issue 8 February 2013

COMMUNITY SERVICE NEWS

Upcoming Community Service Event to Benefit Veterans

The veterans of this country have proudly served us and this country.

Many in our region are being treated at the various Veteran Health

Care Centers. The National Salute to Veteran Patients is held during

the week of February 14 each year. The week of February 14 each year

is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and

women, more than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are

cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical

centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.

For more information about this program and what was done at the Bedford, MA facility

check out: http://www.bedford.va.gov/features/National_Salute_2012.asp.

Since 1999 “Valentines for Veterans” has helped brighten the lives of these deserving veterans

by providing valentine cards to veterans. This effort is now part of the National Salute to Vet-

eran Patients. The AGA Boston Chapter’s Community Service Committee is looking for

chapter members to work on this project. Anyone involved in a youth group or knows of a

youth group that could work on producing valentines would be welcome. Anyone interested

or looking for more information should contact Benjamin Howe at [email protected]

or Jane Gustowski at [email protected] . They will help you identify a participating lo-

cation near you.

Thank you for considering helping out in this worthwhile endeavor.

AGA Members Again Show Their Generosity

The Community Service Committee collected various items at the October 18, 2012 Fraud

Seminar at Lombardo’s. Thank you for the generous donations to Lions Recycle for Sight

Program, Career Closet of Interfaith Social Services, Autism Association of Metro West, St.

John’s Food for the Poor, and Pets In Need. Thanks to all who donated to these worthwhile

charities. All of these charities appreciated your generosity.

http://www.bedford.va.gov/features/National_Salute_2012.asp

mailto:[email protected]


Association of Government Accountants – Boston Chapter

Professional Development Conference

Preliminary Program

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2013

Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA

CPE: 8 CPE Hours

Cost: Member – $155; Non-member - $170

General Registration Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2013

Early Bird Registration Cost: Member – $110; Non-member – $125

Early Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, February 22, 2013 (This deadline is not negotiable.)

Time Track Description Presenter(s)

7:45 AM to

8:15 AM

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:15 AM to

8:20 AM

Welcome, Color Guard and National Anthem, and

Presentation of Chapter Awards

Ernest Almonte, CPA, CGFM,

AGA Boston Chapter President

8:20 AM to

9:10 AM

Keynote Accountability to Transparency to Ethics – Evelyn Brown, AGA National

President

9:20 AM to

10:30 AM

(Choice of 1

concurrent

session – pick

a 1st and 2nd

choice.)

1A Our Professional Journey – Paths to Success – Evelyn Brown, AGA National

President

2A The Leader Within Linda Gover, AGA Northeast

Regional Vice President

3A Social Media as an Investigative and Administrative Tool – Martin Cohan, Deputy Chief,

CFCI, Peabody Police

4A Ethics – Daniel Bonnette, Director,

McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

5A Statistical Sampling – Lee Giesbrecht, Director,

Statistical Operations, US VA

OIG Audit Division

6A Ripple Effect: the Federal Government's Financial Position – Robert Scott Bell, US Treasury,

AGA Senior Vice President

7A Intro to CAATS–The Basics – Joseph Valchuis, CGFM, Supervising Auditor, MA

Department of Elementary and

Secondary Education

10:30 AM to

10:45AM

Break

10:45 AM to

11:55 AM

(Choice of 1

concurrent

session – pick

a 1st and 2nd

choice.)

1B Our Professional Journey – Paths to Success Evelyn Brown, AGA National

President

2B The Leader Within – Repeat of Track #2A Linda Gover, AGA Northeast



2B The Leader Within – Repeat of Track #2A Linda Gover, AGA Northeast


3B Social Media as an Investigative and Administrative Tool –

Repeat of Track #3A

Martin Cohan, Deputy Chief,

CFCI, Peabody Police

4B Ethics – Repeat of Track #4A Daniel Bonnette, CPA, Dir.,


5B Statistical Sampling – Repeat of Track #5A Lee Giesbrecht, Director,

6B Ripple Effect: the Federal Government's Financial Position –

Repeat of Track #6A

Robert Scott Bell, US Treasury,

AGA Senior Vice President

7B Intro to CAATS–The Basics – Repeat of Track #7A Joseph Valchuis, CGFM,

12:00 PM to

12:50 PM

Lunch

12:50 PM to

1:00 PM

Presentation of Chapter Awards and Chapter Election Ernest Almonte, CGFM, AGA

Boston Chapter President and

Suzanne Bump, AGA Boston

Chapter President-Elect

1:00 p.m. to

1:30 pm

Keynote Zoo New England – TBA John Lenihan, CEO, Zoo New

England

1:30 p.m. to

2:30 pm

Plenary

Keynote DCAA’s Audit Efforts in Ever Changing Environments –

CONUS and OCONUS –

Ronald Meldonian, Regional

Director, Senior Executive

Service

2:35 PM to

4:50PM

(afternoon

break is 3:30

PM to 3:45

PM)

8 Online Surveys and Standardized Data Collection Techniques

–

Lee Giesbrecht, Director,

Statistical Operations, US VA

OIG Audit Division and Irene

Barnett, US VA

9 Transportation Infrastructure and Security – Chief MacMillan, MBTA;

Michael Dinning, Volpe Ctr;

Dennis Treece, MassPort

10 Gaming – Lynda Hartzell, CPA,


11 Risk Assessment – TBA TBA

12 Single Audit Update – Learn about the latest single audit update. Tammie Brown, US HHS

13 Learning About Your Learning Style –

Robert Carnegie, R. Carnegie

Associates, Inc.

14 Citizen-Centric Reporting – Craig Hall, MPA, AGA Boston

Chapter Director of

Accountability; William

Kilmartin, Director, Accenture;

Relmond Van Daniker,

Executive Director, Association

of Government Accountants

Time Track Description Presenter(s)



Please join the Membership Committee

in welcoming the following

2 new members to the Boston Chapter:

New Members

Mr. Edward Bean

City of Somerville

Mr. David Bartley

Office of the State Auditor

CGFM NEWS

NEWS FLASH…

As a reminder the Chapter awards up to five

CGFM scholarships per year. We are in our

fourth month of the new program year—for

more information, please contact Joseph Valchu-

is, Director of Professional Certification@ jval-

[email protected]

7 Reason Why You should Pursue a CGFM Des-

ignation:

1. Increases your overall skills and knowledge

of government accounting, financial report-

ing, budgeting, management and control

2. Demonstrates your proficiency and com-

mitment to the government sector.

3. Enhances your credibility and the overall

credibility of the organization you repre-

sent.

4. Demonstrates your commitment to high

ethical and professional standards.

5. Improves your opportunities for career ad-

vancement.

6. Provides you with a personal satisfaction of

achievement.

7. Distinguishes you from your peers.

More than 14,000 individuals have received the

designation so far. Now it's your turn. Experi-

ence the benefits of certification first hand - the

CGFM is the mark of excellence in your profes-

sion. We look forward to adding your name to

our distinguished list of Certified Government

Financial Managers.


September 19, 2012 Audio Conference

Yellow Book Updates JFK Federal Building, Boston

3 CPEs

Members: Free Non-Members: $25

January 17, 2013 Winter Seminar

TBD Volpe Federal Transportation

Building, Cambridge 7 CPEs

Members: $75 Non-Members: $100

October 18, 2012 Fall Seminar - The Many

Faces of Fraud Lombardo's, Randolph, MA

7 CPEs Members: $90 Non-Members: $135

February 27, 2013 Audio Conference Internal Controls

TBD 3 CPEs


March 14, 2013 Regional Professional

Developmental Conference Bentley University, Waltham, MA

8 CPEs Members: $110/$125

Non-Members: $155/$170

December 6, 2012 Annual Holiday

Party and Charity Fundraiser

Maggianno's, Boston, MA Members: $25 Non-Members: $25

April 25, 2013 Spring Seminar

TBD TBD

7 CPEs Members: $75 Non-Members: $100

December 12, 2012 Audio Conference

Ethics TBD

3 CPEs Members: Free Non-Members: $25

May 22, 2013 Audio Conference

Ethics TBD

3 CPEs Members: Free Non-Members: $25

January 9, 2013 Audio Conference

Government Financial Management

TBD 3 CPEs


June 5, 2013 Audio Conference

Performance Management

TBD 3 CPEs


Monthly Meetings & Trainings

2012 - 2013 Calendar

Boston’s Beacon February 2004

From the Editor…

Do you know someone in the Boston

Chapter who has recently received

promotion, accepted a new position,

retired or won an award? Would you like

to share your good news with fellow

AGA members? Or maybe you’re

interested in writing a technical article

for an upcoming issue of Boston’s

Beacon.

Please forward submissions for the next

issue of Boston’s Beacon to

[email protected].

Thanks!


Boston Chapter Balance Sheet

January 31, 2013

Assets

Cash

Checking Account $27,502

Savings Account 9,980

Certificates of Deposit 0

Total Cash $37,482

Total Accounts Receivable 7,690

Total Assets $45,172

Liabilities and Fund Balance

Accounts Payable $ 0

Deferred Revenue - Seminars 0

Current Fund Balance $45,172

Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $45,172

Chapter Recognition Program

The Chapter Recognition Program is designed to support,

encourage, and promote the accomplishment of AGA’s mission

and to provide flexible noncompetitive guidelines for a well-

rounded chapter. The Chapter Recognition Program year

begins on June 1st and concludes on May 31st..

Boston Chapter credits as of October 31, 2012 are:

Maximum Credits Credits % of

Categories Credits Earned Allowed Avail

Leadership, Planning

& Participation 3,000 3,650 3,000 100%

Education & Professional

Development 4,000 3,700 3,700 93%

Certification 4,000 3,250 3,250 81%

Communications 3,000 5,547 3,000 100%

Membership 3,000 5,225 3,000 100%

Accountability 2.000 1,850 1,850 93%

Community Service 2,000 2,925 2,000 100%

Awards 1,000 2,600 1,000 100%

Total 22,000 28,747 20,800 95%

Membership Update

The Boston Chapter

membership includes:

331 Active Members

2 New Members

21 Suspended Members

***************************

*

The Boston Chapter

recognizes our “new

member” multiple sponsors

as of October 31, 2012

David LeBlanc. .................. .3

Craig D. Merry.. ................... 3

Johanna Salvidio.. ................ 3

SUDOKU

The Boston Chapter is proud to announce a

new corporate sponsor

R Carnegie Associates, Inc.

R. Carnegie Associates has provided

training to Government organizations since

1985. Our instructors are professional

practitioners in their respective fields, with

a minimum of ten years working in the audit

community, at the state, city, and/or federal

level. We have the capacity to design,

develop, and deliver a wide rage of work-

shops relevant to audit, accounting, and

investigations personnel. We can also help

plan and manage agency or association

conferences that assure maximum interest

and participation.

Their contact information is:

R. Carnegie Associates, Inc.

P.O.Box 1178

Upton, MA 01568

Toll Free Number: 1-866-529-3971

Speaker Database

The AGA-Boston Chapter is building a speaker database.

Do you know a dynamic speaker who you would like to

see at an upcoming educational event? Are you a speaker

who would like to be included in the database?

Please send the speaker’s name, address, phone number,

e-mail address and potential topics to the Chapter’s Vice

President of Education - Julia Burns, CGFM at

[email protected]

TRIVIA QUESTION!

When was the first set of

Internal Controls instituted?

Answer somewhere in the newsletter.


Boston’s Beacon is published by

the Association of Government

Accountants—Boston Chapter.

Comments should be forwarded to

[email protected]

February Quote

"The most serious charge which can be brought

against New England is not Puritanism but

February”

— Joseph Wood Krutch

Websites of Interest

American Society for Public Admin (ASPA) ...................................... www.aspanet.org

MA Chapter of ASPA ...................................................................... www.massaspa.org

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) ................................ www.cfenet.com

Greater Boston Chapter of CFE ................................................... www.acfe-boston.org

Association of Government Accountants .......................................... www.agacgfm.org

AGA Boston Chapter ........................................................ www.aga-boston-chapter.org

AGA Aroostook County Chapter……………………….www.agaaroostookcounty.org

AGA Hartford Chapter .................................................................. www.agahartford.org

AGA Maine Chapter ........................................................................ www.gwi.net/~aga/

COSO ....................................................................................................... www.coso.org

First Gov ............................................................................................. www.firstgov.gov

Governmental Accounting Standards Board ............................................ www.gasb.org

Government Executive ..................................................................... www.govexec.com

Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) ......................................................... www.theiia.org

IIA Greater Boston Chapter................ www.theiia.org/chapters/index.cfm/home.page/cid/13

Intergovernmental Audit Forum .................................................... www.auditforum.org

International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP)......................... www.iappnet.org

National Assoc of State Auditors, Comptrollers & Treasurers.............. www.nasact.org

National Assoc of State Comptrollers ............... www.nasact.org/community/nasc.html

National Assoc of State Treasurers .................... www.nasact.org/community/nast.html

National State Auditors Association ................. www.nasact.org/community/nsaa.html

National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council .............................. www.ec3.org

SUDOKU ANSWER

Boston Chapter

Corporate Sponsor Boston Chapter

Corporate Sponsor


Trivia Answer

The double-entry bookkeeping system invented in the

13th century provided the means for those engaged

in commerce to control transactions with suppliers

and customers, and check the work of employees (i.e.

- the first internal controls.)

Boston Chapter AGA Website

The Boston Chapter of the AGA has a new and

improved award winning website. Please change

your browser favorites to the following:

www.agaboston.org

Take a tour around the site and send your feedback,

suggestions and thoughts to the webmaster or any

chapter Officer or Director. Check the site often for

Happy Presidents Day!

Citizen Centric Reporting

The Association of Government Accountants, the

thought leader for the government accountability

profession, evaluates reports for the Certificate of

Excellence in Citizen-Centric Reporting award. AGA

determines award recipients based on content, visual

appeal, readability, distribution, and timeliness of

reporting.

The Boston Chapter is proud to publish their very first

Citizen Centric Report.

To view a copy of the Chapter’s first Citizen Centric

Report, please go to our website at:

http://www.agaboston.org/files/

Boston_Chapter_CCR.pdf

CEC Meeting Highlights

The Boston Chapter Executive

Committee met on January 8, 2013.

Please note the following:

Education: Preparations for the March 14, 2013

Regional Professional Development Conference at

Bentley University, Waltham, MA are almost

complete.

Community Service: All preparations were

completed for the Upcoming Community Service

Event to Benefit Veterans during the week of

February 14th.

Membership: The Boston Chapter has 331

members.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,

February 12, 2013.

http://www.agaboston.org/


News from National

Super Recruiters Club

Once you have recruited 10 members, you become

part of the Super Recruiters Club! Super Recruiter

status affords many exclusive rewards including

recognition at a private reception at the annual

PDC. Other rewards include: a lapel pin, certificate,

VIP status at all national events and logo wear ap-

parel.

End of Year Sponsor Achievement Awards and

Recognition Awards are presented at the annual

national training event, the PDC, each summer.

Recruiter of the Year (one winner)—The mem-

ber who recruits the most new members from

May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 will be

presented with the Recruiter of the Year distinc-

tion and receive a complimentary AGA national

meeting registration.

Top Sponsor (two winners)—The next two

members who recruit the highest number of

new members from May 1, 2012 through April

30, 2013 will each be bestowed with the Top

Sponsor distinction and each will receive a

complimentary AGA national meeting registra-

tion

Chapter Overall Growth (six winning chapters)—

Those six chapters achieving the highest overall

growth percentage in their chapter size grouping for

the membership year will each win a complimen-

tary AGA national meeting registration. Chapters

decide who receives the registration. Each chapter

president and membership chair will be presented

with an achievement plaque as well.

AGA's NLC: Strategic Innovation for Gov-

ernment Leaders

February 12, 2013 – February 13, 2013

Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC

Welcome to AGA’s 11th Annual NLC!

This is the event for developing and training

government financial professionals to excel

as leaders in today’s competitive market.

Don’t miss this opportunity to share best

practices, to find solutions to shared chal-

lenges, to network with your peers, and to

learn from the top financial management

leaders and industry experts. This training

offers 14 hours of CPE.

Who Should Attend:

Chief Financial Officers

Senior-Level Managers and Executives

CEOs and Presidents

Accountants, Auditors

CGFMs, CPAs


New England Regional News

Maine Chapter Meetings

Monthly meetings are held September

through May of each year, and alternate be-

tween breakfast and luncheon times. Each

meeting features a keynote speaker discuss-

ing events or programs currently impacting government

and the state as a whole.

Throughout the year, Maine AGA members perform sev-

eral community service events, providing support to local

children, veterans and homeless citizens.

Maine Chapter at www.gwi.net/~aga/

Aroostook County Chapter

Chapter CEC Meetings are scheduled

for the 2nd Thursday of each month.

General Membership Meetings are held as needed.

The Christopher Home community service project is an

on-going monthly project that AGA Aroostook County

has participated over the past several months. If you are

interested in getting involved in this project or other

Community Service project please contact their Commu-

nity Service Director.

Aroostook County Chapter is still at work building a

new website:

www.aroostookcountyaga.org

Meetings for the Hartford

Chapter

The Hartford Chapter Meetings are

generally held at 6:00 p.m. on the

third Wednesday of each month from September to May.

The meeting location is the Marco Polo Restaurant,

1250 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT.

Hartford Chapter at www.agahartford.org

Northeast Region

Vice President Team

Linda Gover Regional Vice President

Aroostook County

[email protected]

Joseph Valchuis, CFE, CFS Regional Vice President Elect

Boston

[email protected]

Jane Gustowski, CPA Immediate Past Regional Vice President

Boston

[email protected]

Northeast Regional Coordinators

Thalia Melendez Regional Coordinator for Certification

New York

[email protected]

Colette C. Cormier Regional Coordinator for Membership

& Early Careers

Aroostook County

[email protected]

Kathie Still, CGFM Regional Coordinator for Chapter

Development & Assistance

Boston

[email protected]

Julia P Burns, CGFM, Regional Coordinator for Education

Boston

[email protected]



















mailto:[email protected]%0b

Boston’s Beacon February 2004

John W. Beveridge, CGFM, CFE

President

Office: 617-727-6200

E-mail: [email protected]

Wallace Alan Franklin, CGFM, CGA

President-Elect

Office: 508-792-7810


David A. LeBlanc, CGFM

Immediate Past President

Newsletter Editor

Office: 781-338-6485


Richard Sullivan, CPA

Secretary

Office: 781-937-9322


Maria Mamakos

Treasurer

Office: 781-338-6537


Julia P. Burns, CGFM

William Muench, CGFM, CPA

Director of Scholarships

and Awards

Office: 978-796-3637


Joseph Valchuis, CFE, CFS

Director of Professional Certification

Office: 781-338-6516


Mary T. Leyden, CGFM

Career Day Chair

Tel: 617-236-1630

David A. LeBlanc, CGFM, CFS

Director at Large

Office: 781-338-6485


Craig Hall

Director of Accountability

Office: 617-770-7676 Ext. 106


Mary T. Leyden, CGFM

Career Day Chair

Tel: 617-236-1630

Julia P. Burns, CGFM

Vice President for Education and Programs

Office: 617-973-2452


Judith Reilly, CPA, CFE

Vice President for Planning

Office: 617-565-4029


Barry Ahearn

Vice President for Communication

Newsletter Editor,

Office: 617-727-0025


Nick Dahl, CGFM

Director of Bylaws and Procedures

Office: 781-687-3120 .


Jane Gustowski, CPA

Director of Community Service

Office: 508-798-5452


Shannon Parven

Vice President for Membership

Director of Early Careers

Office: 617-727-6200


2012 - 2013 Officers, Directors and Chairs

Association of Government Accountants

Boston Chapter

c/o 75 Pleasant Street

Malden, MA

www.agaboston.org

Platinum

Chapter


Ernest Almonte, CGFM, CPA

President

Office: 401-921-2000


Suzanne Bump

President Elect

Office: 617-727-2075


Shawn Warren, CPA

Immediate Past President

Office: 617-988-1000


Richard Sullivan, CPA

Secretary

Office: 781-914-1700


Patricia (Tanona) Rydlak

Treasurer

Office: 781-338-6524

Email: [email protected]

Shana Doiran

Chapter Auditor

Office: 617-988-1056

Email: [email protected]

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