The public sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation, fundamentally changing how financial operations are conducted. The adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is a critical component of this evolution, mandating higher levels of transparency and accountability. As government agencies move towards a more technologically integrated environment, new opportunities arise for efficiency and data-driven decision-making. However, this shift also introduces significant vulnerabilities, particularly concerning the security of sensitive financial data and the integrity of digital systems. This course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to harness these technological advancements while simultaneously fortifying their organizations against emerging threats.

This program goes beyond standard accounting principles, offering a holistic view of modern public financial management. You will learn how to leverage innovative technologies to streamline IPSAS implementation and reporting, while also developing a robust understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. The curriculum focuses on proactive strategies for data protection and governance, preparing you to safeguard critical information assets from a range of cyber threats. By the end of this training, you will be a leader capable of driving technological innovation, ensuring IPSAS compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and security within your public sector entity.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Accountants and Auditors
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Public Sector Financial Managers
• Information Technology (IT) Professionals
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• Data Protection Officers
• Policymakers and Government Officials
• Public Sector Internal Auditors

Objectives

• Understand the intersection of technology, IPSAS, and public financial management
• Apply digital tools for efficient IPSAS implementation and reporting
• Identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks within public sector environments
• Implement best practices for data protection and governance
• Develop a strategy for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality
• Navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks for data privacy
• Prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents
• Promote a culture of security and data stewardship within your organization

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of IPSAS in a Digital Age

• The principles and importance of IPSAS for public sector accountability
• Understanding the role of technology in modern public financial management
• Key differences between IPSAS and national accounting standards
• An overview of the IPSAS framework and its practical application
• Preparing the public sector for digital financial reporting

Module 2: Technological Innovations in Public Sector Accounting

• Introduction to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Using data analytics for financial trend analysis and forecasting
• Automated financial reporting and its benefits
• The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Adopting blockchain for enhanced transparency

Module 3: Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Public Sector

• Understanding the current threat landscape for government entities
• Common types of cyberattacks and their impact
• The importance of a layered defense strategy
• Introduction to security controls and risk assessments
• Developing a security-first mindset

Module 4: Data Protection and Privacy Law

• An overview of global data protection regulations
• Key principles of data privacy and data stewardship
• The legal and ethical obligations of handling public data
• Conducting privacy impact assessments
• The role of the data protection officer

Module 5: Digital Reporting and Auditing

• The transition from manual to digital audit trails
• Using technology to automate audit procedures
• Ensuring data integrity in financial statements and reports
• The legal and regulatory requirements for digital signatures
• Auditing against IPSAS compliance in an automated environment

Module 6: Risk Management in a Digital Context

• A framework for identifying and assessing digital risks
• Integrating cybersecurity into an organization's risk management strategy
• Mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors and systems
• Conducting a cyber maturity assessment
• Developing a risk register for technology adoption

Module 7: Secure System Configuration

• Best practices for securing operating systems and network devices
• Implementing access controls and privilege management
• Understanding the principle of least privilege
• Protecting against common misconfigurations and vulnerabilities
• Hardening systems for a more resilient infrastructure

Module 8: Data Governance and Quality

• Establishing a comprehensive data governance framework
• The importance of data quality for accurate financial reporting
• Implementing policies for data lifecycle management
• Ensuring data integrity through validation and cleansing
• Roles and responsibilities in data stewardship

Module 9: Network Security

• A deep dive into public sector network architecture
• Protecting network boundaries with firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Understanding virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure remote access
• Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity
• Implementing a robust patching and vulnerability management process

Module 10: Human Factor in Cybersecurity

• The role of human behavior in security breaches
• Developing a comprehensive security awareness and training program
• Phishing and social engineering attack recognition
• Creating a security culture that values data protection
• Best practices for password management and authentication

Module 11: Cloud Computing and Data Security

• Understanding the different cloud service models
• Legal and security considerations for cloud migration
• Ensuring data protection in the cloud
• The shared responsibility model for cloud security
• Best practices for securing cloud-based applications

Module 12: Incident Response and Recovery

• Developing a clear and actionable incident response plan
• The steps involved in responding to a cyberattack
• Forensic analysis of security incidents
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
• The importance of post-incident review and learning

Module 13: Data Lifecycle Security

• Protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use
• The use of encryption and data masking techniques
• Implementing data loss prevention (DLP) solutions
• Securely disposing of digital assets and data
• Access control and authentication mechanisms

Module 14: Mobile and End-Point Security

• The unique security challenges of mobile devices
• Securing end-user workstations and laptops
• Understanding mobile device management (MDM) policies
• Preventing malware and ransomware infections
• Best practices for securing remote work environments

Module 15: Auditing Cybersecurity and Data Protection

• The role of internal and external auditors in security assessments
• Auditing compliance with data privacy regulations
• A framework for a cybersecurity audit
• Verifying the effectiveness of security controls
• Communicating audit findings and recommendations to leadership

Module 16: Future Trends in Technology and Public Sector Accounting

• The impact of emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT)
• The role of public sector blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
• Navigating the challenges of quantum computing
• Predictive analytics for financial management
• The future of IPSAS and global standards

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.