Effective Internal Controls for Local Governments

Local governments have a duty to put safeguards in place to protect the financial assets of the organization and to promote efficient and effective business operations. To meet this duty, a unit must develop a strong system of internal control. The exact nature of internal controls will vary significantly from one jurisdiction to the next due to differences in size, resources, and organizational structure. However, the basic framework of a control system is the same for all units. And it is the responsibility of the manager, finance officer, and others in upper-level managerial positions to establish and monitor the effectiveness of the internal controls.

In this session, participants will learn to develop and implement a strong system of internal control based on the two primary frameworks of internal control: the COSO Internal Control Framework and GAO Standards of Internal Control in the Federal Government (i.e., the “Green Book”). Participants will also learn how to incorporate controls into various financial processes, such as the daily deposit, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and grant accounting, and more.

Who Should Attend?:

This course provides a high-level review of many of the statutory requirements outlined in the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. Accordingly, this course is particularly relevant to newer finance officers and other finance professionals (0-5 years’ experience). However, any local government employee in a managerial position or finance position will benefit from taking this course.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and apply the five components of internal control outlined in the Green Book and COSO framework;
  • Design and implement a system of internal control for various financial processes and functions; and

Implement internal controls that promote the effective administration of federal grant funds.

Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

  • March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
  • June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
  • September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
  • December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)

The course offers up to 450 minutes (rounded) of continuing professional education credit (CPE).

*This course has been identified by faculty as being potentially relevant for Continuing Professional Education credit in accordance with requirements of the NC State Board of CPA Examiners. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to determine which sessions they will ultimately claim. As this course has not been pre-approved with the State Board, the School of Government does not guarantee that the State Board will accept the credit hours.

  • Online
    November 21
    View Scholarship Information

    Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

    • March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
    • June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
    • September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
    • December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)
    View Cancellation Policy
    Course participants who cancel their registration on or before November 13, 2024 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after November 14, 2024, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.
    View Additional Information
    275
    $310.00
    Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.
For all registration questions, resetting passwords, or login issues please contact:

Dale Zuckert

Assistant Registrar
919.966.4414
For questions regarding course details, including location, schedule, materials, and continuing education credits, please contact:

Shannon Morris

Program Manager, Law and Finance Group
Teaching Assistant Professor
Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Distinguished Term Teaching Professor; Secretary, School of Government Foundation Board of Directors