Investments: Accounting and Financial Reporting

* “Basic” level classes that fall within the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting topic assume that all participants have a fundamental understanding of double-entry accounting (e.g., debits and credits, normal account balances), elements of financial statements (e.g., assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses), and broad categories of financial statements (e.g., position statements and operating statements). Participants who have current knowledge equivalent to those who have recently passed a college-level accounting class will meet these criteria.

The course will take a comprehensive look at the common investment instruments, including the accounting and required note disclosures for financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The materials will familiarize the participants with a variety of investment instruments, the purpose and the risks associated with each type of instrument, the process for valuing an investment, and the relevant accounting and note disclosures.

Those who successfully complete this seminar should be able to:

• Understand the characteristics, purposes, and risks of various investment instruments.
• Master the valuation processes for different types of investments.
• Apply GAAP principles to accurately report and disclose investment information in financial statements.

Finance professionals interested in investment instruments and GAAP reporting.

This course is taught by GFOA Technical Services Center staff, finance officers and other industry experts.

Previous speakers have included:

• Michele Mark Levine, Director, Technical Services
• Todd Buikema, CPA, Assistant Director for Publications, and
• Susannah Filipovic, Manager of Technical Accounting