Course Information
Next-Gen Impact Audits: Enhancing Public Sector Performance
Course Description
This forward-thinking virtual workshop equips state auditors and financial staff with advanced techniques to evaluate program performance, optimize resource allocation, and identify waste in government operations. Participants will master data-driven frameworks to assess whether agency initiatives achieve intended outcomes efficiently, balancing fiscal stewardship with public service mandates.
Course Objectives
Objectives:
1. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to design performance audit programs using logic models and KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness in areas like healthcare, education, or infrastructure.
2. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to apply efficiency analysis tools (e.g., benchmarking, cost-benefit analysis) to identify redundancies and recommend process improvements.
3. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to communicate audit findings persuasively to policymakers through visual dashboards and outcome-focused narratives.
Outline:
Module 1: Foundations of Performance Auditing (45 mins)
• Core Concepts: Distinguishing efficiency (input/output) vs. effectiveness (outcome/impact) in government programs.
• Standards & Frameworks: GAGAS Chapter 7, COSO ERM, and logic models for program evaluation.
• Case Study: How a state workforce training audit uncovered inefficiencies in service delivery.
Module 2: Designing the Audit Approach (1.5 hours)
• KPI Development: Aligning metrics with strategic goals (e.g., "cost per Medicaid beneficiary served").
• Risk Mapping: Prioritizing high-impact areas like federal grant utilization or IT system upgrades.
• Exercise: Creating a logic model for a mock state affordable housing initiative.
Module 3: Efficiency Analysis Tools (1.5 hours)
• Benchmarking: Comparing agency performance to peers or industry standards.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Quantifying trade-offs in program delivery models.
• Hands-On Lab: Analyzing inefficiencies in a state DMV workflow using process mining techniques.
Module 4: Effectiveness Evaluation (1 hour)
• Outcome Measurement: Assessing long-term program impacts (e.g., graduation rates, recidivism reduction).
• Stakeholder Surveys: Designing feedback tools for beneficiaries and frontline staff.
• Role-Play: Interviewing a "program manager" to assess unintended consequences of a policy.
Module 5: Reporting for Action (1 hour)
• Data Storytelling: Transforming technical findings into compelling narratives for legislators.
• Visual Dashboards: Using Power BI/Tableau to highlight efficiency gaps and success stories.
• Exercise: Drafting an executive summary for a highway maintenance audit with ROI visuals.
Module 6: Action Planning & Expert Panel (30 mins)
• Personalized Blueprint: Participants outline a performance audit for their agency’s priority program.
• Q&A Panel: State performance audit directors and agency CFOs discuss overcoming resistance to change.
Total Duration: 6 hours (including breaks and interactive labs).
Delivery: Virtual platform with breakout rooms, shared datasets, and collaborative whiteboards.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite not required.
YB 4.23(A)
Instructors
Ibanessa Soto Hogan
Analytical Accountant | Process Optimization Expert | Trusted Financial Steward
Ibanessa is a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt and Chartered Tax Professional with over 20 years of experience delivering precision-driven accounting solutions for diverse organizations, including government agencies, multinational corporations, and SMBs. As Principal of Masterpiece Accounting Services LLC, she combines technical expertise in general ledger management and software proficiency (QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Online, AS400) with Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline financial operations, strengthen internal controls, and unlock cost savings.
Core Expertise
• Strategic Financial Leadership: Designing actionable Profit & Loss reports, variance analyses, and balance sheet reconciliations to guide executive decision-making under tight deadlines.
• Process Optimization: Leveraging Six Sigma principles to overhaul accounting workflows, reduce errors, and enhance operational efficiency in payroll, AP/AR, and inter-company reconciliations.
• Compliance & Integrity: Safeguarding financial data accuracy through meticulous account research, audit support, and ethical adherence to GAAP and tax regulations.
Career Highlights
• Masterpiece Accounting Services LLC (Principal): Advises clients on scalable accounting systems, tax strategies, and QuickBooks implementations tailored to growth objectives.
• Dover Elevator – Thyssenkrupp (Senior Accountant): Streamlined month-end close processes, reducing reporting delays by 30% through automation and cross-departmental collaboration.
• City of Marietta (Staff Accountant): Strengthened municipal fiscal controls via bank reconciliation audits and grant fund tracking, ensuring compliance with public sector mandates.
• Global Experience: Navigated multi-currency environments at Frito Lay Dominicana and resolved complex supply chain costing challenges at Castle Oil Corporation.
Technical Proficiencies
General Ledger Management | QuickBooks ProAdvisor | Job Cost Accounting | Payroll Processing | Tax Compliance (CTP) | AS400 | Variance Analysis | Audit Preparation
Education & Credentials
• B.S. Accounting – Universidad Tecnológica (UTESA), Dominican Republic
• Certifications: QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGB), Chartered Tax Professional (CTP)
• Languages: Spanish / English
Why Clients Trust Ibanessa
“Ibanessa’s ability to dissect financial complexities into actionable insights is unmatched. Her Six Sigma-driven approach transformed many of our clients’ cost allocation process, saving each of them hundreds of hours annually.” – Larry Belton, Monroe University
Additional Information
§ TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit Texas State Auditor's Office - Professional Development FAQs.