Course Description

This focused session helps Clerks, RFOs and Councillors prepare for year‑end with confidence. It explores common issues raised by internal and external auditors, highlights key steps for year‑end accuracy, and provides clarity on essential requirements to avoid common pitfalls.

The course includes updates to the AGAR and Practitioners’ Guide for 2026/27. It supports councils in strengthening compliance, improving financial processes, and surviving audit and AGAR submission.

What You’ll Learn

1. Reflecting on Past Challenges: Common Audit Pitfalls - A comprehensive overview of recurring common pitfalls for councils identified in internal and external audit findings including from the last financial year. Attendees will gain practical strategies to address common gaps, learn from case studies, and ensure compliance with sector best practice.

2. Preparing for Year-End: Key Actions for Compliance - A review of actions all councils should take ahead of March 31st to ensure that they are audit ready from an Internal Auditor’s perspective. This session covers responding to common over-looked governance areas, and ensuring robust internal controls are in place to remain compliant throughout the year.

3. What’s New in the Annual Return: Assertion 10, Digital AGAR and More - Stay ahead of regulatory changes with a review of Assertion 10 compliance including email governance, IT policies, accessibility, and compliance, understand the changes coming for the digitisation of the AGAR submission, and more!