Online Training for the Public Funds Investment Act
Sponsored by the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University
Are you tired of traveling to a distant city to satisfy your 10-hour training requirement?
Would you like to choose your own curriculum from a menu of choices?
Would you like to learn something new and fresh about investments?
Then this online course is for you!
A portfolio manager taking the course says: “This beats sitting in class for two days. It was convenient—I worked at my pace and time schedule. Information was an interesting refresher and not focused entirely on repetitive topics of regulation.”
Designed with the busy city official in mind
This online course is designed to help you comply with the training requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act without having to travel to attend a seminar or conference. All of the instruction can be done at your own pace in your own home or office. All you need to complete the course is access to the internet and a physical mailing address.
We send you books on topics that you select. You read the books and answer a series of questions online. Once you complete your questions, we send you a certificate of completion. It really is that easy!
What does the Public Funds Investment Act require?
The Public Funds Investment Act requires that investment officers of local governments receive 10 hours of instruction relating to the officer’s responsibilities under the Act within 12 months of assuming duties. The Act also requires officers to complete 10 hours every 2 years subsequent.
This online course is designed to provide 10 or more hours of instruction.
You have over 20 hours of instruction to choose from. The topics—and combination of topics—is up to you.
What does the course cost?
Ten hours of credit is $300. You can take a minimum of 5 credit hours for $200. Each hour above 10 hours costs an additional $30.
How does it work?
Once you register for the course and select your topics, we will deliver books to your home or office. When you are ready, you will log onto Texas State University’s online learning system. In this system, you will answer a series of questions about your reading.
The system will give you feedback about your answers immediately. If you answer 70% or more of the questions correctly, Texas State University will send you a certificate of completion.
The topics are constantly being updated. Following is a list of our latest offerings:
- Auditor’s Perspective – 1 hour
Review the tools used by auditors to assess your compliance with the PFIA before the auditor comes to audit you!
- Bonds – 4 hours
Bond types and terminology. Also covers asset-based securities including Fannie Maes and Ginnie Maes. Enjoy chapters from the books The Economist’s Guide to Financial Markets and The Wall Street Journal’s Guide to Money and Investing.
- Cash Flow – 3 hours
The Public Funds Investment Act is about investing extra cash. But how do you generate this extra cash? The book The Four Principles of Happy Cash Flow discusses ideas for managing working capital and cash so that you generate as much cash as possible in your organization.
- Fraud – 1 hour
Learn the warning signs of fraud and ways to deter it.
- Graphics – 3 hours
Learn how to present investment information in user-friendly graphics and tables. Read Say It with Charts.
- Investment Policy – 2 hours
Examine several example investment policies from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Association of Public Treasurers.
- Money Markets – 1 hour
Terminology surrounding CDs and money market securities. Read a chapter from The Economist’s Guide to Financial Markets.
- Financial Statement Analysis – 3 hours
Learn tools and ratios that can help you diagnose the financial health of an entity – either your own entity or an entity that you are investing in.
- Mutual Funds and Equity – 5 hours
The what, how, and why of mutual funds. Also how the equity markets work. Enjoy reading from The Economist’s Guide to Financial Markets and The Wall Street Journal’s Guide to Understanding Money and Investing.
- Risk and Diversification – 2 hours
This module covers the basics of risk – including market, interest rate, and business risk – as well as introducing concepts for reducing risks – such as diversification and asset allocation. Read from the AMACOM book The Informed Investor by Frank Armstrong III.
- The Act – 2 hours
Review the Public Funds Investment Act. This module is required for all new investment officers.
- Federal Monetary Policy – 4 hours
In this module, you will learn the responsibilities of the Federal Reserve Banks and the tools they use to manage the US economy. You will read three chapters from US Monetary Policy and Financial Markets written by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
You get to choose your curriculum!
Choose any combination of modules to add up to ten or more hours of instruction. Your selection is completely up to you.
What is the refund policy?
Once you register for this course, NO refund will be given. Depending on circumstances, you may be granted an extension of time to complete the course.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You will have eight weeks from the day we send you your password to complete the course. Two-week extensions may be granted depending on individual circumstances. After 1 extension, students will have to pay $100 for each additional two-week extension.
When will I get my certificate of completion?
Your certificate will be delivered electronically 2 weeks after you complete the course.
Who can I contact to ask questions?
At any time during your studies, you may contact Leita Hart, the curriculum designer, at Leita@leitahart.com
How do I register?
To register, email the registration information in the registration form below to Ms. Marilyn K. Balanoff at mb39@txstate.edu, or if you wish you can fax it to 512-331-7293. We will get back to you with your password, your books, and further instructions as soon as possible.
REGISTRATION FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS INVESTMENT ACT ONLINE COURSE
The registration fee of $300 per person includes registration for the course and all textbooks and training materials. Please complete the registration form, enclose a check or purchase order for $300 for the course, payable to Texas State University CPM. Mail to: Dr. Howard R. Balanoff, Director, William P. Hobby Center for Public Service, Texas State University,
| Which modules do you want to take? Please choose a total of 10 or more hours: | |
Auditor’s Perspective |
1 hour |
| Bond | 4 hours |
Cash Flow |
3 hours |
Fraud |
1 hour |
Graphics |
3 hours |
Investment Policy |
2 hours |
| Money Markets | 1 hour |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 3 hours |
| Mutual Funds and Equity | 5 hours |
Risk and Diversification |
2 hours |
The Act |
2 hours |
| Federal Monetary Policy | 4 hours |
To register, please email or mail the following information to Ms. Marilyn K. Balanoff (mb39@txstate.edu).
Ms. Marilyn K. Balanoff, Program Faculty
Department of Continuing Education
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
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