Northeast Virtual Seminar 2021

COVID Relief Funds: Process, Procedures, Accounting and Reporting (1:10 PM to 2:25 PM) 

The American Rescue Plan, enacted in March, is providing much-needed funds to state and local governments as they struggle to offset the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic. As governments begin to receive these funds, many questions have arisen regarding how the funds can be used, how governments certify that the funds are being used properly, as well as the proper accounting and reporting for the funds and the consequences for missteps. The seminar will also touch on remaining issues under the CARES Act, as well as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

This session will address these questions and also cover when receipt of these funds could trigger a Federal Single Audit and what to expect if that happens.

1.5 CPE - Specialized Knowledge (Gov't) / 1.5 GFI Elective Credits

David J. Gannon, CPA, Partner, PKF O'Connor Davies
Susan M. Barossi, CPA, Partner, PKF O’Connor Davies
Michael G. Considine, JD, Partner, Seward & Kissel
Robert M. Kurucza, JD, Partner, Seward & Kissel

Pandemic Plans - The Role of the Finance Officer (2:40 PM to 3:30 PM)

Local governments are now required to have pandemic plans in place to be better prepared in the event of a another future pandemic.  This session will cover:

• The primary components of a municipal pandemic plan.
• The role(s) of finance officers in the creation of these plans. 
• Employee reactions to these plans.
• Who is responsible for monitoring, enforcing and amending the plans.
• The costs of implementation as well as the accounting and financial reporting for the costs of implementing and maintaining these plans.

1 CPE - Specialized Knowledge (Gov't) | 1 GFI Elective Credit

Tim Doyle, CPA, Partner, The Bonadio Group

Accepting Credit Card Payments:  What Governments Should Know About Vendor Fees, Services and Risks (3:40 PM to 4:30 PM)

Many governments accept credit and debit card payments for the variety of taxes and fees imposed on citizens and users. In the public sector there are a variety of special considerations that must be addressed if governments wish to accept credit and debit cards as payment methods.

Some of the key considerations related to accepting credit and debit cards include:

• Whether cards can be accepted for all or some government services;
• Understanding the costs and rules that are in place for governments to accept credit/debit cards; and
• Managing upgrades and opportunities presented through technology changes

In addition, governments must be aware of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security requirements and the general fraud and security risks associated with accepting credit cards.

This session will provide attendees with insights and discuss issues related to accepting credit and debit card payments that are in play for governments of all sizes and types.

1 CPE - Specialized Knowledge (Gov't) | 1 GFI Elective Credit

Matt Leman, Market Manager, J.P. Morgan