RS - Why this workshop is important

Risk Assessment Effectiveness and Reporting

Why This Workshop is Important

The reputation of the Internal Auditor,
and the operational and financial security of the school district,
rests on good internal controls, risk assessment and risk management skills,
and quality procedures and reporting.

The Internal Auditor must understand what is happening in the school district environment, and what must be done to meet his/her duties and solve practical auditing problems. The internal auditor must act knowledgably so as to provide reasonable assurance the district is not open to mismanagement, fraud, or fiscal or operational abuse.

Day 1 (half day) is an orientation to internal controls in the school district environment. This understanding is a necessary foundation for conducting a risk assessment competently. Internal Auditors with a thorough grasp of internal controls need not attend this session. Participants will become familiar with how the COSO model works in a district.

Day 2 (full day) is technical training on how to conduct every step of a school district risk assessment and to report the results using graphic and written reporting. The information will be useful to the appointed internal auditor with direct responsibilities for conducting risk assessments and reporting to the Board of Education, Audit Committee, and Superintendent of Schools. Time will be provided for school district internal auditors to review case studies, and share experiences and ideas. We will discuss the political dynamic of effectively communicating results and implementing recommendations in the school district environment.

Workshop Faculty

Mark Mitchell, CIA, CGFM
Director of Internal Audit

Mark Mitchell is Director of Internal Audit at the NYS Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA). He has been an internal auditor, and internal auditor executive and trainer for over twelve years. Mr. Mitchell is Chair-elect of the New York State Internal Control Association, edited the Internal Controls Implementation Guide, and serves on the Board of Directors of the AGA. Mark has presented on internal auditing and risk assessment, statewide and nationally. Mark has a business administration degree in accounting and MBA from The George Washington University, D.C.

Guest Internal Auditors

Experienced school district internal auditors will be presenting case studies. NOTE: If you are interested in presenting a case study contact Mark Mitchell at 518-229-0484.

James M. Merrins, Ed.D.
Executive Program Administrator

Jim Merrins has 35 years of school administrative experience - 16 years experience as superintendent of schools in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. He is currently Executive Program Administrator for the Greater Southern Tier BOCES. Jim is NYS certified and experienced as a school business administrator. He has taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges.

Workshop Sponsor

Greater Southern Tier BOCES (LEA)
Anthony Micha, District Superintendent
James M. Merrins, Executive Program Administrator