Information for Finance Officers
Welcome to Information for Finance Officers
The list of resources and links provided below is not necessarily an exhaustive list and is provided for informational and general guidance purposes only. The Department of State Treasurer and the State and Local Government Finance Division are not responsible for the completeness or accuracy of the content of any external website. Resources accessed from this list should not be relied upon as legal advice or as official policy of the DST, SLGFD or the Local Government Commission.
Five Things Every Finance Officer Should Know
Restricted By State Statute And Fund Balance Available Calculation
Revenue Neutral Property Tax Worksheet - FY2024
Budgeting Basics (Coming Soon)
Budget Checklist (Coming Soon)
Budget Calendar (Coming Soon)
Templates
Ordinance Template (Coming Soon)
Project Ordinance Template (Coming Soon)
Capital Reserve Fund Template (Coming Soon)
The files below provide a checklist of accounting duties that can be used as the basis for developing a bookkeeping contract, and a sample contract for bookkeeping services. Please note that sample contract was developed and is provided by the staff of the North Carolina Local Government Commission as a reference for units of local government in North Carolina. This form is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not use this form without the advice of an attorney, as the form may not address the specific circumstances or needs of your organization and may not reflect any recent changes in applicable laws.
Instructions and Checklist for Third Party Bookkeeping Contract
Sample Contract for Third Party Bookkeeping
Memorandum 2026-04: Internal Controls for a Small Unit of Government was issued in September 2025 as an updated and expanded version of Memorandum 2015-15. The memo contains up-to-date guidance and resources for implementing a wide variety of internal controls, as well an appendix showing the recommended division of duties for smaller units. The memo is provided below, along with a short, optional practice quiz and a list of frequently asked questions. Unit staff are encouraged to use these resources to grow their knowledge and make any necessary improvements to their unit's system of internal controls.
Memo 2026-04: Internal Controls for a Small Unit of Government
Internal Controls Practice Quiz
FAQ for Memo 2026-04
1. Why should individuals with control of inventory not have access to accounting records?
Answer: To ensure proper checks and balances and prevent any potential conflicts of interest or fraudulent activities.
2. What is the importance of having comprehensive written policies for electronic banking operations?
Answer: Comprehensive written policies ensure consistency, security, and effectiveness in electronic banking operations, and they need to be regularly reviewed to remain current.
3. Why is it necessary to maintain adequate segregation of duties in electronic banking?
Answer: Adequate separation of duties prevents any one individual from controlling an electronic activity from start to finish, reducing the risk of errors and fraud.
4. What are dual controls and when should they be applied?
Answer: Dual controls require more than one individual to approve a transaction, especially for riskier activities like wire transfers, to enhance security.
5. What restrictions should be in place for wire transfers?
Answer: Restrictions could include maximum dollar amounts allowed and limiting the vendors who can receive wire transfers to mitigate risks.
6. How should employee access to electronic banking transactions be managed?
Answer: Access should be limited based on job responsibilities and business need, and must be revoked or modified promptly based on personnel changes.
7. What is a Positive Pay system?
Answer: A Positive Pay system allows the bank to verify checks presented against a unit's account against a list of checks authorized and issued by the unit, detecting any discrepancies.
8. Why should employees be prohibited from sharing login and password information?
Answer: To maintain the security and integrity of the electronic banking system and prevent unauthorized access.
9. What is the benefit of using a highly secured computer for electronic banking?
Answer: It reduces the risk of malicious software infections from fake email messages or infected websites.
Training Resources
NC Finance Officers' Certification Program
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Education Center
Local Government Finance in North Carolina - A Practical Approach
Community college campuses throughout North Carolina offer the NC Local Government Finance course. The specific courses that we know will be available are listed below; we will continue to update this list as more campuses notify us. Many of these are 100% online while others continue to provide the course using the hybrid method of delivery. Please contact the individual schools for information about registration; this is a non-credit course so it will be housed in the continued education or other similar department. Please see the course overview below for details on course content or contact us at (919) 814-4300 or SLGFD@nctreasurer.com.
| College | Course ID | Dates | Method | Cost | Instructor | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | ACC-FIN7900 Local Government Finance | 09/08/2025 - 12/01/2025 | Online/ Asynchronous (self-paced) | $125 +$5 Technology fee | Larry Williams | To register and pay for the class, call customer service at 704-330-4223. Note - students do not need to purchase any books or materials for this self-paced, asynchronous course. |