Online Sites for School Accounting and More…
The accounting field can be challenging to stay up to date with current regulations and best practices. The good news is that many websites are valuable resources for those engaged in the financial reporting field. However, obtaining the most helpful information can be time-consuming. Below are some website suggestions that cover various topics, including sources such as professional associations, state government and publications. Let us know on the Illinois ASBO peer2peer community what your go-to sites are for school accounting information.
Association of School Business Officials International
The gold standard in annual comprehensive financial reports. For 50 years, the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) has honored school districts for their high-quality Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Visit this site for more information on applying for the COE.
https://asbointl.org/Web/Awards/COE/Certificate_of_Excellence.aspx
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
The Records Management Section of the Illinois State Archives is responsible for assisting state and local government agencies with the disposal of records. In Illinois, no public record may be disposed of without the approval of the appropriate records commission. Visit this site for more information about the procedures to dispose of state records.
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/records_management/home.html
Accounting Today
Accounting Today is a valuable resource for accountants who are involved with tax preparation, bookkeeping, auditing and financial planning. It focuses on accounting standards, technology, audit and assurance and wealth management.
https://www.accountingtoday.com/
Accounting Coach
This website provides information and training in all areas of accounting and bookkeeping. It is useful for student learning or as a guide for advanced professionals.
https://www.accountingcoach.com/
Governmental Accounting Standards Board
The GASB standards are recognized as authoritative by state and local governments, state Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The GASB develops and issues accounting standards through a transparent and inclusive process intended to promote financial reporting that provides useful information to taxpayers, public officials, investors and others who use financial reports.
https://www.gasb.org/
Illinois State Board of Education
ISBE has a responsibility to advocate for what all of Illinois’ children deserve. The State Board makes budget recommendations to the General Assembly annually each January. The state constitution mandates that the “primary responsibility for financing the system of public education” belongs solely to the state. The following topics are all covered on the Financing, Budgets and Funding section of ISBE's website.
- Agency Budget Information
- Federal and State Monitoring
- Funding and Disbursements
- School Finance
- Single Audit
- School District Reorganization
- Evidence-Based Funding
- Education Purchasing Program
- State Funding & Forecasting
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Finance-Budgets-and-Funding.aspx