2016 Q3 ISSUE COSTTREE CAPTURE. 15
CT: How has your coaching changed since the implementation of the Uniform Guidance?
CSMFO: I don’t think our coaching has changed so much in that direct coaching on an area like this is not at the core of what our organization does. Our members do, however, stay up to date on all new laws and regulations to the extent their operations are impacted. When there are major changes in significant areas like Uniform Guidance, it generally ends up being a topic for a session at our annual conference. If more timely information needs to be provided to our members, we’ll hold a webinar on the topic.
CT: Do these new regulations put a financial burden on your members or does it put them in a stronger financial position?
CSMFO: I wouldn’t say it puts a significant financial burden on our member agencies, but it does put their agencies in a more compliant position, which could indirectly put them in a stronger financial position, because better compliance is an indicator that they are able to properly manage federal grant awards.
CT: Do you incorporate feedback from auditors and cognizant agencies into your training? What is the process?
CSMFO: Yes, typically in a training session we would utilize someone from the audit field, along with someone from a member agency.
CT: What concerns have your members had regarding compliance?
CSMFO: I think a challenge for many agencies with respect to compliance is that federal grant awards are administered outside of our departments, which means significant cross-departmental coordination is needed to ensure funds are spent on allowable costs in a timely manner.
CT: Do your members struggle with compliance?
CSMFO: Yes, in many cases.
CT: Can you give us some insider info on the 2017 CSMFO conference?
CSMFO: The 2017 CSMFO Annual Conference will be in Sacramento, and the theme is “Venture to the Capital”. And while it’s a play on the term “venture capital” (obviously), the Annual Conference Host committee is taking the concept to heart.
Sacramento is known for being the “Farm to Fork” capital, and the Committee will be incorporating this concept into the event. There’s also been talk of incorporating the new Kings arena, the state fair, local restaurants and nightclubs… you name it. Nothing has been finalized yet, but the goal of the Committee is to let attendees experience everything Sacramento has to offer without leaving a four-block radius of the hotel. This is also CSMFO’s 60th anniversary, so look for some special touches!