Who should attend: The Office of the State Auditor invites those working with local government finances to attend.

Prerequisites: None 
Advanced Preparation: None 
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate 
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based 
Objectives: Learn about new GASB updates, legal compliance changes, regulatory basis reporting, and practical methods for strengthening fraud prevention and internal controls within local governments in Minnesota. 

The training is being presented virtually online. Please register at 2026 Training for Local Governments.

For those that do not need CPE, the event is free of charge. CPE can be provided for a cost of $70, billed after the event, for those meeting attendance requirements. Please indicate during registration if you would like CPE.

Lisa Young, OSA Deputy State Auditor and Carrie Liffrig-Schafer, OSA Director of Standards and Procedures (1:00 to 1:50)

GASB Statement Number 103, Financial Reporting Model Improvements

Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental) CPE: 1.0 (50 minutes)

This session provides key changes from GASB Statement Number 103, including changes impacting Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), proprietary fund and subsidy classifications, treatment for unusual or infrequent items, major component unit presentations, and updated budgetary comparisons. This session will also include changes to the OSA reporting form for proprietary funds.

Mark Kerr, OSA Legal Council (1:50 to 2:15)

Legal Compliance Update

Field of Study: Business Law CPE: 0.5 (25 minutes)

This legal update will provide attendees with information about recent Minnesota compliance issues and law changes affecting local governments. 

Carrie Liffrig-Schafer, OSA Director of Standards and Procedures (2:15 to 2:40)

Capital Asset Guide

Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental) CPE: 0.5 (25 minutes)

The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor originally provided a capital asset guide when GASB Statement No. 34 was released. Over the years, GASB has updated the reporting requirements relating to capital assets. The guide was recently updated and is now available on the OSA website. This session describes the capital asset guide and when it might be of assistance. 

10-minute break (2:40 to 2:50)

Lisa Young, OSA Deputy State Auditor (2:50 to 3:15)

The Regulatory Basis of Accounting

Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental) CPE: 0.5 (25 minutes)

The Office of the State Auditor creates a basis of accounting which is similar to a cash basis model with specific note requirements. This session reviews this alternative basis of accounting and describes who is permitted to use it. 

Tracee Mergen, OSA Director of Special Investigations (3:15 to 4:05)

Fraud and Internal Controls

Field of Study: Auditing (Governmental) CPE: 1.0 (50 minutes) 

Through the review of real-life fraud cases, this session will provide attendees with information about fraud indicators, fraud prevention, and common fraud schemes in local governments.