Magnum Trainings: Fiscal Workshop
School District Claims Auditing (Online)
Schedule, Registration, and Payment [HERE]
Two 2-hour sessions, on non-consecutive days, via ZOOM with video
This foundation online workshop covers the basic knowledge, skills, techniques, and strategies required for Claims Auditing in school districts: training in applicable NYS Law, Board of Education policies, internal control components, implementation strategies, and reporting.
Audience
For school district Claims Auditors and Deputy Claims Auditors, and of interest to Accounts Payable Clerks, Purchasing Agents, Internal Auditors, District Administrators, and Board of Education Member.
Why this Workshop is Important
Chapter 263 authorizes the appointment of a Claims Auditor in New York State school districts. Most school districts have appointed a Claims Auditor. New York State school districts reacting to external audits, internal audits, and NYS Comptroller audits seek training for their appointed Claims Auditor, Purchasing Agents, Accounts Payable Clerks, Purchasing Agents, Internal Auditors, and school district administrators. In addition, many school districts have a requirement for Claims Auditor training in their Board of Education policies [See Erie 1 BOCES, Policy Service, Policy #5570, “Fiscal Accountability”]. This foundation workshop meets all policy training requirements. Dr. Merrins is the Executive Program Administrator for the New York State School District Internal Auditing Alliance (SDIAA). This presentation reviews the laws and highlights the needed actions of the Claims Auditor to meet NYS accountability legislation and sound fiscal practice.
Workshop Topics
Session 1 – Introduction & Law
School District Claims Auditing Law, Regulation, Policies
School District Culture
Proactive Claims Auditor Characteristics
Authority, Power, and Control
Duties and Responsibilities
Funds to be Audited
Standard Information Needed to Audit
Required Authorization for Payment
Session 2 – Processes
Second Level Questioning – Challenge Records
Risk and Fraud
Reports to the Board
Corrective Plans of Action
Questions and Answers
Faculty
James M. Merrins, Ed.D., SDA, SBA
Jim Merrins is Executive Program Administrator of Educational Support Services. He has trained over 1,000 claims auditors, deputy claims auditors and business office personnel. He has administered the Claims Auditors Conferences and teaches numerous fiscal workshops for superintendents and school business personnel, including Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents, and Introduction to Extraclassroom Activity Funds. Jim has over 40 years experience in school administration, including 16 years as a Superintendent in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. Dr. Merrins is NYS certified as a School District Administrator and School Business Administrator. Dr. Merrins taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges for several years.
Costs
The cost of this workshop is $245 for the first participant, plus $225 for the second participant, plus $195 for the third and subsequent participants from the same school district or firm.
Materials
Each workshop participant will receive a notebook of workshop-related materials, guides, and reports, including excerpts of relevant laws and regulations; sample language for board policies; and sample forms and templates. Relevant documents are provided on a CD.
Hosted and administered by ESS
James M. Merrins, Ed.D., Executive Program Administrator
ESS Policies, Terms, and Conditions [HERE]
Method of Payment Information
Registration Information
Cancellation Policy
Contact James Merrins, Ed.D.
Comments, corrections, source documents, and questions welcome
Educational Support Services
42 Rosalyn Court, Fredonia, New York 14063
(716) 672-5473, FAX (716) 672-5472, jmerrins@cecomet.net