This session introduces the Annual Return and the stages of the audit process, enabling you to complete all the relevant steps correctly.

Topics include:
• Closing the accounts
• Assets and borrowing
• Internal audit
• Reviewing internal control
• The Annual Return
• Electors rights
• Publication requirements

By the end of this session you will:
• Be able to identify the steps needed as part of the audit process
• Understand how to close the council's accounts
• Understand how to complete the Annual Return
• Be able to correctly allow the exercise of electors' rights
• Recognise the need to review internal controls

Who should attend
For officers who want to understand how to prepare their council's Annual Governance & Accountability Return and comply with the requirements of the audit process.

This course is specifically aimed at councils with receipts and payments over £25,000.

There are alternative sessions for:
Councils under £25,000
Councils that prepare Income and Expenditure accounts

Cost
£33+VAT per person (member)
£66+VAT per person (non-member)

Course Tutor
Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk and an accountant with 30 years' experience in public and voluntary sector finance. He now specialises in delivering training and advice on VAT and finance matters for the local council sector.

Please note: the course is open to all county associations and will therefore have clerks and councillors not from Northamptonshire in attendance. We hope that this will allow for this course to be delivered more often and throughout the year.