Who runs the certification programs?
Certification programs are a joint venture between the Cooper Center and the local official organizations.
Where can I find program requirements and descriptions?
The program descriptions and requirements, while similar in purpose, do vary among the organizations. Complete details for each program including purpose, content, eligibility, requirements, procedures, and regulations are not found on this site. Please search the specific organization's web site for exact requirements.
Sites and materials with exact requirements
Treasurers' Association of Virginia
Treasurers/Deputy Treasurers Certification Program | Enrollment Form |
Treasurers/Deputy Treasurers Certification Program | Application Form |
Treasurers/Deputy Treasurers Certification Program | ReCertification Form |
Treasurers' Association of Virginia Certification Program | Handbook (TR) |
Treasurers' Association of Virginia Certification Program | Handbook (DTR) |
What do the programs consist of?
Each certification program has two components, taking and passing required courses, and earning necessary “points” through participation in association events. These elements are described on the relevant web site as they vary among the organizations.
Who handles record keeping of my progress?
Administration and record keeping for all aspects of the programs are provided by the Cooper Center. Information gets posted to individual transcripts in the following manner:
- Course grades are usually posted within ten days of the exam.
- Attendance at regularly scheduled events--district meeting, annual meeting, etc, --is normally posted within two weeks of the event.
- For events outside of scope of the Cooper Center, records are updated when the information gets to the Cooper Center.
For a specific inquiry please reach out to Beth Bennett directly through her contact information below:
Beth Bennett |
eaw3f@virginia.edu |
434-982-2144 |
Treasurer Course Catalog
Roles and Responsibilities of the Treasurer
This class covers everything you wanted to know about the treasurers’ office but were afraid to ask. Topics include: legal constraints; relationship with the commissioner of the revenue; preparation of tax bills, collecting real and personal property; and collection of other taxes, licenses, fees and fines, including dog tags, state income tax.
Course LocationClassroomShort Term Investments
This class will cover the fundamentals fixed-income investing, including a detailed explanation of risk, investment instruments and investment strategies. We will help participants to develop a framework for a sound investment program (investment policy, safekeeping, broker/dealer due diligence, investment procedures, internal controls and portfolio reporting.) The course will also cover basic investment accounting and GASB reporting requirements.
Course LocationClassroomEthics **
This course covers several different business ethics models. The consequential models covered are egoism, utilitarianism, and feminism. The non-consequential models covered are categorical imperative, veil of ignorance, and the golden rule. The course provides a framework for understanding ethical behavior.
For treasurers this course is mandatory for Office Accreditation only, otherwise it is offered as an elective.
Course LocationClassroom & OnlineIntermediate Government Accounting
This course is based on the new GAAFR. Participants will be provided with a working knowledge of the special financial reporting model used by state and local governments under GASB's Statement No. 34. Participants will be given a copy of the GAAFR Study Guide. The class is recommended for mid-level finance officers, accountants, treasurers, auditors, and other persons with a basic knowledge of accounting.
PrerequisitesIntroductory Government Accounting or prior experienceCourse LocationOnlineLawful Employment
This one-day class, designed to give treasurers an overview of state and federal statutory employment laws that affect them, will consist of two three-hour presentations. The first three-hour session will focus upon federal employment laws (excluding collective bargaining laws) and the second session will address Virginia statutory requirements.
Classroom class offered by the Comp Board fills quickly.
Course LocationClassroom & OnlineInternal Controls
Objective Course will cover the five elements of internal control - control environment; risk assessment; control activities; information and communication; and monitoring. We'll also learn what to do if you suspect fraud in the workplace.
Course LocationClassroom & OnlineBanking and Cash Management
This class introduces fundamental cash management strategies and techniques for governments. It covers the important elements of cash collection, disbursement, and reporting. Participants will learn the latest in cash management procedures, policies, and technology. The seminar will also provide tips for getting the most out of your banking relationship and show how to use the RFP process to get better services from your bank and minimize the cost to the government.
Course LocationClassroom & OnlineBankruptcy
The course will present a basic overview of the bankruptcy process, including ceasing collection action, the different types of bankruptcy and what they mean, and when and how to file a claim. Also discussed will be how taxes are treated in bankruptcy, how to deal with those pesky attorneys who always think they know more than you do, and what happens after the bankruptcy case is over.
Course LocationClassroomDelinquent Collections
Tools that can be used to collect delinquent taxes that will be covered in the course include: distress, treasurer’s lien, set-off debt, administrative summons, DMV withholding, court process, bill in Equity, Escheat.
Course LocationClassroomCustomer Service
The goal of this customer service class is to create a standard level of knowledge with respect to the laws, policies and procedures that the Treasurer and their staffs follow and provide useful tools that they can apply in their day to day operations and citizen interactions.
Course LocationClassroomUnderstanding the Code of Virginia *
Offered by Commissioners of the Revenue Association
Course LocationClassroomTax Exemptions in Virginia *
Offered by Commissioners of the Revenue Association
Course LocationClassroomRoles and Responsibilities of the Commissioner of the Revenue *
Offered by Commissioners of the Revenue Association
Course LocationClassroomLobbying 101 *
Offered by Commissioners of the Revenue Association
Course LocationClassroomIssuing Debt and Debt Management
Course LocationClassroomEffective Media Relations
Course LocationClassroomAdvanced Government Accounting
PrerequisitesIntroductory Government Accounting or prior experienceCourse LocationClassroomLevel II Accounting
PrerequisitesLevel I AccountingCourse LocationClassroomLevel III Accounting
PrerequisitesLevel I & Level II AccountingCourse LocationClassroomChallenge Exam - Level I Accounting
You can be exempted from taking Level I Accounting course, if you elect to take and pass the challenge exam. This is an on-line exam that is open book with a time limit of 2 hours and an honor pledge. Its pass/fail 50 questions. The cost for the challenge exam is $50.
If you elect to take the exam, once you register, you will receive a password from Radford University.
If you do not pass the challenge exam and you wish to complete the Certificate Program, you will need to register for the Level I Accounting Course and the fee remains $200.
PrerequisitesAn accounting backgroundCourse LocationOnlineLevel I Accounting
This day and half course is designed for people that have a limited background in formal accounting, or need a basic refresher. It covers basic financial statement elements (such as assets, liabilities, fund balance, revenue and expenditures), the effects of transactions on the accounting equation, basic financial statements and debits and credits. It also covers an introduction to funds, budgeting, and financial reporting for governments.
The course will incorporate several in class exercises.
You may opt out of the course by taking and passing the Challenge exam
Course LocationClassroomOperating Budgets
The program will focus on the tools and topics important in understanding modern budgeting. The program will survey an array of techniques central to establishing broad goals to guide decision making, developing policies, plans, and strategies, monitoring, and evaluating budgetary performance. In addition, participants will analyze the politics of budgeting, revenue forecasting methods, capital programming concepts, public involvement, expenditure analysis, budget systems, and other topics relevant to developing, implementing, and monitoring budgets.
Course LocationClassroomAdvanced Short Term Investments
This class will cover the fundamentals fixed-income investing, including a detailed explanation of risk, investment instruments and investment strategies. We will help participants to develop a framework for a sound investment program (investment policy, safekeeping, broker/dealer due diligence, investment procedures, internal controls and portfolio reporting.) The course will also cover basic investment accounting and GASB reporting requirements.
PrerequisitesShort Term InvestmentsCourse LocationClassroomVirginia Government and Law
This course covers the structure of Virginia state and local government; the Dillon Rule, intergovernmental relations, how to use Opinions of the Attorney General, FOI and Conflict of Interest, the role of the Compensation Board, and public meetings.
Course LocationClassroomGoogle Calendar (Non-Credit Course)
NOTE: a non-credit course can not be used as an elective course for certification.
This non-credit course is designed to help individuals gain a better understanding of the Google Calendar.Participants will be provided knowledge of all the different elements of this application. This application allows the tracking of schedules on-line from anywhere there is connection to the Web. It allows you to share calendars such as for your office with staffs easily and can synchronize with Blackberry, MS Outlook, Yahoo and/or AppleiCal calendar programs. This course is recommended for any working professional, because Google Calendar is easily used in many business environments. Therefore, having a complete understanding of how it operates will be extremely beneficial no matter what position you hold in an organization.
This non-credit course is worth 3 continuing education points including the exam.
Course LocationOnlineHorse Sense for Leaders
This powerful training progam focuses on the fundamental interpersonal skills and practices necessary to establish relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Leaders will benefit from this unique program if they are seeking better ways to:
- Effectively communicate needs and expectations
- Establish a shared understanding of goals and priorities
- Gain commitment and increase motivation
- Build trust and gain respect
- Develop meaningful partnerships with employees, colleagues, and customers
Dynamic applications for improving the quality of personal relationships can be gained by observing the powerful interaction between a horse and cowboy. Modern day handlers of horses share common principles and utilize similar methods in dealing with horses that equally apply to our relationships with others. The learning participants take away from this powerful and dynamic program will stay with them a long time.
Course LocationClassroomSpanish for Government Officials
The course allows the participant to develop his/her understanding of Hispanic culture and language in order to develop stronger and more meaningful relationships with clients and co-workers who originate from Spain, Mexico, South and Central America. While the emphasis of the course will be placed on understanding cultural differences, ample opportunities will be given to learn important vocabulary and phrases in order to develop conversational skills in Spanish, which pertain to both business settings and personal interactions. Consideration will be given to developing the skills necessary in order to travel in Spanish speaking countries.
Course Expectations: It expected that all students will have fun! Participate in class discussions – in Spanish or English (¡por supuesto!) as much as possible. Learning a new language and culture is always an adventure, and making errors is expected. Be patient with yourself. Our main objective is to enjoy ourselves and learn something about Hispanic culture and the Spanish language.Course LocationClassroomGeneral Technology
The course will cover the following topics: Personal Computer Hardware, Common PS Software, PC Connectivity, The Internet, Security Management, Data, Tech Support, E-mail, and Current Technology Trends & Concerns.
Course LocationClassroomFinancial Reconciliation and Reporting
The course will cover the requirements of local government Treasurer’s for reconciliations and reporting. Discussions will include requirements per the Code of Virginia, types of reconciliations necessary, timeliness of reconciliations, internal reporting vs. external reporting, a brief review of internal controls surrounding reconciliations and report preparation, and preparing for the year-end audit.
Course LocationClassroomIntroductory Government Accounting
This course is intended for individuals who have not had an accounting course and are interested in what accounting is all about. The course focuses on the role of accounting in government by examining how business transactions affect the financial statements. Topics included: basic accounting theory, expenditure and disbursement; inventory, financial reporting, budgetary accounting, charts of accounts, and opening and closing the general ledger.
Course LocationOnline