Crammers
from Summer 2001
Seminars and conferences aimed at helping audit committee members meet the new financial literacy requirements are becoming increasingly popular. Some 900 directors registered for a recent audit seminar sponsored by KPMG, versus an average 360 who showed up at previous sessions. Such conferences are geared primarily to the nonexpert directors on the committee. Here’s a closer look at three conference series.THE ACI ROUNDTABLE
KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute offers these three-hour sessions in May and November in 18 cities. Directors learn best practices and how their companies can become compliant with the new regulations. Cost: free for board members and senior officers. Since 1999 more than 2,000 directors have attended these road shows. (1-877-KPMG-ACI)
SCRUTINIZING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The National Association of Corporate Directors offers this one-day session in different cities two to three times a year. Directors learn how to read financial statements, recognize signs of fraud, and understand the footnotes in financial reports. Cost: $1,145 for nonmembers and $945 for members. Each class generally attracts about 18 directors. (202-775-0509)
THE DELAWARE AUDIT AND FINANCIAL REPORTING INSTITUTE
The Corporate Governance Center at the University of Delaware is launching this conference program in April 2002. The three-day conferences will be held twice a year at the University of Delaware. Directors will learn the mechanics of internal and external audits, how to read financial statements, and will be shown their legal obligations under the new regulations. Cost: to be determined. (302-831-0171)
