MGFOA Back to Basics

The Foundation of Michigan Public Finance

Back to Basics is a comprehensive three-part educational series designed to help professionals build the technical foundation needed to navigate Michigan public finance with confidence.

Build Your Career on a Strong Foundation

The Back to Basics Program is designed specifically for professionals who are new to Michigan public finance or who want a stronger understanding of governmental accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting.

Whether you are a recent graduate, a professional transitioning from the private sector, a staff member taking on new finance responsibilities, or a newly elected official, this program provides essential technical knowledge for working within Michigan’s public-sector environment.

As a cornerstone of MGFOA’s education programming, Back to Basics helps participants develop a foundation rooted in accuracy, transparency, statutory compliance, and sound financial practices.

Interested in Back to Basics?

Back to Basics is offered in a 3-session format. Visit the MGFOA events calendar for current session dates, locations, registration details, and program availability.

View Schedule and Register View Program Fees

Program Overview

The program is divided into three intensive sessions. Each session offers 5.0 CPE credits, for a total of 15.0 CPE credits per annual cycle. Sessions do not need to be completed consecutively for completion of the program.

Three-Part Series

Structured Learning

Participants build knowledge across governmental accounting, public financial statements, and governmental budgeting.

Continuing Education

15.0 Total CPE Credits

Each of the three sessions is eligible for 5.0 CPE credits, supporting professional development and credential maintenance.

Career Development

Practical Public Finance Skills

The program helps participants understand the standards, laws, reports, and budget practices used by Michigan local units of government.

Program Curriculum

Back to Basics is organized into three core sessions that introduce participants to essential public finance concepts and Michigan-specific requirements.

Part I

Fundamental Elements of Governmental Accounting

Master the language of public finance and understand how governmental accounting differs from general accounting.

• Fund accounting and Governmental GAAP

• State-mandated uniform accounting system

• Governmental, special revenue, and proprietary funds

• GASB 34 and government-wide financial statements

Part II

Public Financial Statements

Learn how to understand, prepare, and interpret public-sector financial statements for reporting and decision-making.

• Financial reporting under PA 2 of 1968

• Uniform Accounting Act requirements

• GFOA reporting excellence criteria

• Clarity, comparability, and completeness in reporting

Part III

Governmental Budgeting

Understand the budget as a policy roadmap, operations guide, financial plan, and communication tool.

• Budgeting under PA 621 of 1978

• Aligning resources with organizational goals

• Managing day-to-day government functions

• Communicating financial information to boards, councils, and the public

Who Should Attend?

• Professionals new to Michigan local government finance

• Recent graduates beginning public-sector careers

• Private-sector professionals transitioning into public finance roles

• Staff members taking on accounting, reporting, or budgeting responsibilities

• Newly elected officials seeking a stronger understanding of public finance fundamentals

Start with the Fundamentals

Back to Basics gives participants the technical foundation needed to understand Michigan public finance, support compliance, and grow with confidence in their roles.