SFA Audit Seminars 2026 - Online

SUMMARY

Symphona LLP, in partnership with J. Stephen Collins, PhD, CPA, Emeritus Associate Professor of Accounting, University of Massachusetts at Lowell (and former Director of Financial Aid at Boston College) and Robert M. Turner, DBA, Emeritus Assistant Dean for Recruitment, Associate Professor of Accounting at Babson College, Boston, Massachusetts, offers a comprehensive seminar for CPAs, internal auditors, state auditors, and anyone else with responsibilities for federal student aid at postsecondary institutions.

This comprehensive group internet based, multi-day seminar provides an overview of the current regulations for student financial aid programs, the numerous forms and regulations used to administer these programs, and the proper management of the programs by institutional personnel. It also includes information on the more technical requirements and aspects of the audit. Our seminar is Yellow-book qualified.

SFA Audit Seminar Dates and Locations

2026 Seminar - August 25, 26 & 27, 2026 -  Online

Register by August 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

 Who Should Attend: CPAs, internal auditors, state auditors, and other practitioners responsible for the audit of federal student aid programs at postsecondary institutions. College business officers and other administrators may also benefit from this program.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this seminar.

Advance Preparation: Each registered participant will receive an email with download instructions prior to the seminar start date.

Program Outline: (attend one, two, or three days) – Delivery Method: Group Internet-based

Presentations will utilize the following:

• Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”)

• OMB 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI Compliance Supplement (November 2025 or later)

• 2023 edition of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General's Guide for Financial Statement Audits of Proprietary Schools and For Compliance Attestation Examination Engagements of Proprietary Schools and Third-Party Servicers Administering Title IV Programs

• Other available materials and other information will be available to all participants via download.

DAY ONE OVERVIEW:

(8 CPE Credits)

• Overview, Terms & Abbreviations of Title IV and Other Student Financial Aid Programs
• Planning, Institutional Eligibility and Participation
• Reporting Processes for Title IV Funds
• Financial Aid and the Student - Student Eligibility

DAY TWO OVERVIEW:

(8 CPE Credits)

• Financial Aid and the Student - Disbursements
• Return to Title IV Funds
• Cash Management
• Administrative Requirements

DAY THREE OVERVIEW:

(8 CPE Credits)

• Zone Alternative and Closeout Audits
• Financial Statement Audits, Financial Responsibilities, Required Disclosures
• Financial Responsibility and the Composite Score Standard
• 90/10 Revenue Test
• Reporting Package and Illustrative Reports, Industry Update
• Fraud and the Compliance Audit