Over the next few years, local government, national parks, fire and police bodies in Wales will be required to close their accounts earlier. 

Last year, we held the first in the series of these seminars looking at early closure and what it means for organisations. As part of that seminar, delegates were able to walk away with an insight to cultural and procedural changes that others have achieved to enable them to start the journey of changing the way they work.

This year, in addition to Torfaen County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council have produced and had their accounts audited in advance of the statutory deadlines. During this seminar, both organisations shared what they have learnt from the process and provided useful insight to organisations present in particular discussing challenges and successes.

Who the seminar was aimed at 

This seminar was aimed at staff within local authorities, national parks, fire and police bodies in the following roles:

• Section 151 Officer or equivalent
• Chief Accountant
• Finance staff leading on the production of the accounts

Presentations 

1. What auditors mean by working papers [PDF 867KB Opens in new window] - Kate Havard, Wales Audit Office 
2. Valuing your Property, Plant and Equipment [PDF 747KB Opens in new window] - Jeremy Saunders and Deryck Evans, Wales Audit Office 
3. Closing in on Estimates [PDF 943KB Opens in new window] - Matthew Edwards and Geraint Norman, Wales Audit Office 

Social Media 

• Storify [Opens in new window]