MGFOA Beyond the Basics

Take Your Public Finance Career Further

Beyond the Basics helps government finance professionals continue growing beyond foundational accounting skills through practical training in leadership, communication, collaboration, and public-sector finance topics.

Grow Beyond Core Accounting Knowledge

Beyond the Basics is designed to complement MGFOA’s Back to Basics programs by helping finance professionals continue developing after they have built a foundation in governmental accounting.

The program focuses on non-accounting and applied public finance topics that are especially important within the first five years of a government finance career. Participants explore skills and subject areas that support effective leadership, communication, collaboration, and service to public entities.

Over the course of the program, participants learn from experienced professionals, connect with peers, and strengthen their ability to work across departments, communicate with elected officials, and navigate real-world public finance responsibilities.

MGFOA Beyond the Basics training program

Interested in the Next Cohort?

Beyond the Basics is offered as a package program. Registration is available before the first session of a new cohort cycle.

Program Overview

Beyond the Basics combines public finance content with professional development topics that help participants grow into more confident, effective, and collaborative finance professionals.

Format

Quarterly Sessions

Half-day sessions are typically held quarterly as part of a structured cohort experience.

Duration

18-Month Program

Participants complete six total sessions over approximately 18 months.

Instruction

Experienced Professionals

Sessions are led primarily by MGFOA Associate Members and other experienced professionals with relevant subject-matter expertise.

CPE Credits

CPE Eligible

Participants may earn CPE credits for eligible sessions. Current CPE totals are provided with each cohort’s program details.

Completion

Certificate Awarded

Participants who complete all required sessions receive recognition as a Beyond the Basics Program Graduate.

Peer Connection

Cohort Networking

Participants learn alongside peers and may have the option to connect through a participant directory or other cohort networking opportunities.

Program Topics

Session topics may vary by cohort, but the program is designed to address practical issues and professional skills that help finance professionals succeed in local government.

• Understanding property taxes and assessing basics

• Millage and bond proposals

• Ballot language and public communication

• Balancing the Treasurer and Finance Director role

• Collective bargaining, union negotiations, and arbitration

• Communication, coaching, and conflict management

• Time management and professional effectiveness

• Communicating finance to non-finance audiences and elected officials

Who Should Attend?

• Finance professionals in their first five years of public sector experience

• Graduates of Back to Basics who want to continue their development

• Professionals seeking to strengthen communication, leadership, and strategic finance skills

• MGFOA members looking for a supportive cohort-based learning experience

Registration and Cost

Beyond the Basics is a cohort-based program. Participants register for the full program before the first session of the cohort cycle. Session-by-session registration is not available.

MGFOA Members

$750

Non-Members

$1,125

If a participant needs to miss a session, they may be required to make it up the next time that session is offered. Completion of all required sessions is necessary to be considered a Beyond the Basics Program Graduate.

Designed to Complement Back to Basics

Back to Basics helps participants build foundational knowledge in governmental accounting and public finance. Beyond the Basics extends that development by focusing on the broader responsibilities, conversations, and leadership skills that finance professionals need as they grow in their careers.

Learn About Back to Basics

Continue Growing with MGFOA

Beyond the Basics gives participants the opportunity to deepen their public finance knowledge, strengthen professional skills, and build lasting connections with peers and instructors.

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