The 2025 Government and Public Sector Virtual Conference gathered leading voices, practitioners, and innovators to tackle urgent challenges, opportunities and trends in the public sector. Across eight engaging sessions, presenters shared actionable strategies, regulatory updates and government technology trends shaping the future of state and local governments.
Government and Public Sector Conference Key Takeaways
- Local governments must remain adaptable and informed on federal policy changes to maintain compliance and resilient financial strategies amid uncertainty.
- Government agencies can use performance audits as a tool to better manage and enhance operational efficiency, effectiveness and economy.
- To strengthen grants management, leaders should regularly assess risks, diversify funding streams, and build financial resilience to navigate delays or disruptions. Both managed IT services and financial system modernization can help organizations evolve during changing times by bolstering cybersecurity efforts and integrating people, process, technology and data.
- With updated Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, governments need a proactive, strategic approach to financial reporting and compliance.
- A successful year-end close requires consistent preparation, as well as automation tools that support accuracy, transparency and efficiency.
- ERP systems can transform processes and culture, but thoughtful selection and implementation is key.
Conference Session Overviews
Session 1: Federal Public Finance Update and Funding Strategies
Emily Brock, Director of the Federal Liaison Center at the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), delivered a timely federal update centered on proactive fiscal management in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
“Federal policy changes are accelerating, and local governments must be agile to ensure compliance and maximize funding opportunities,” Brock said. The session highlighted the need to anticipate legislative changes, adapt to new funding mechanisms and build resilient financial strategies to help government organizations thrive amid uncertainty.
Action Items for Federal Compliance and Grant Management
As federal priorities continue to shift, public sector leaders should maintain a centralized inventory of all grants, prepare thoroughly for single audits, and ensure all stakeholders understand compliance requirements and key terms. Due diligence is critical when entering third-party contracts tied to federal funds, and organizations must proactively defend their rights to federal funding, whether through grants or congressional appropriations. Staying engaged with GFOA’s alerts and resources will help teams respond quickly to funding disruptions and regulatory changes.
“Make sure, as a city, or a county or political subdivision, you have an inventory of all grants. We actually recommend that you try to keep that inventory at the management level.”
This approach ensures readiness for audits, litigation and evolving federal requirements, empowering organizations to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
- Recording: Watch Session 1
Session 2: Performance Audits for Government Efficiency
Denise Lippuner, State and Local Advisory Leader, and Tiffany McCoy, Internal Audit Manager, discussed how performance audits enhance efficiency and accountability, emphasizing their role in driving long-term operational excellence: “Performance audits aren’t just about finding gaps — they’re about building a culture of continuous improvement.”
The session stressed the importance of clear objectives, stakeholder engagement and risk-based planning, along with practical strategies for leveraging data analytics and effective communication. For agencies managing federal grants, these principles are especially critical when overseeing subrecipients. Cherry Bekaert’s podcast on subrecipients in grant projects offers a timely complement to this session, outlining how performance audits can support compliance with 2 CFR 200.332 and strengthen oversight frameworks.
Action Items for Performance Audit Implementation
Government agencies can achieve meaningful change by conducting performance audits that emphasize clear objectives, stakeholder input and risk-based planning. Teams should prioritize independence, due diligence and professional skepticism throughout the audit cycle, using data analytics and clear communication to ensure findings are actionable and aligned with organizational goals. Follow-up audits and dashboards help agencies monitor progress, reinforce accountability and sustain improvements.
“If we can narrowly scope an audit, the end result will actually tell a broader story. That is a real sweet spot.”
This approach, combined with stakeholder engagement and measurable outcomes, empowers agencies to enhance efficiency, transparency and public trust.
- Recording: Watch Session 2
Session 3: Grants Compliance Strategies for Adapting to Regulatory Changes
Grants Management Leaders Kathleen Kizior and Paula Heller emphasized the need for agility and proactive adaptation amid evolving regulations.
“Success in grants compliance means staying ahead of the curve — anticipating changes and building robust internal controls.”
The session underscored how frequent updates to uniform guidance, shifting agency rules and a growing focus on performance-based reporting require organizations to build resilient systems that can adapt to uncertainty and change.
Action Items for Grants Compliance and Risk Management
Organizations must proactively strengthen internal controls, maintain rigorous documentation and invest in technology and staff training. Leaders should conduct regular risk assessments, diversify funding sources and build financial resilience to withstand funding delays or program suspensions.
Staying informed on regulatory changes, including updates to uniform guidance, agency-specific rules and new performance-based reporting expectations, is essential for sustaining compliance and operational success.
“Document everything. If you didn’t write it down, it didn’t happen,” Kizior emphasized. This disciplined approach empowers organizations to navigate uncertainty, reduce risk and demonstrate accountability to funders and stakeholders.
Review our grants management insights for emerging best practices, including the use of dashboards, technology and cross-functional collaboration to drive continuous improvement.
- Recording: Watch Session 3
Session 4: Cybersecurity Best Practices for Government
Cybersecurity and Managed Services Leaders Kurt Manske and Jim Kramer delivered practical strategies for managing cybersecurity risks to maintain regulatory compliance and strengthen the resilience of critical government services.
“Local governments are prime targets for cyber threats due to underfunded cyber programs and legacy systems, making proactive investment and robust incident response essential.”
The session highlighted the sophistication of cyberattacks, the importance of modernizing information technology (IT) infrastructure and the need for documented incident response plans and vendor risk management.
Action Items for Public Sector Cybersecurity and IT Management
Managed IT services can help agencies scale resources, access specialized expertise and focus on core functions. However, outsourcing does not eliminate risk and requires strong governance and ongoing oversight. Building resilience depends on integrating managed service providers into incident response frameworks, maintaining up-to-date systems and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. In today’s environment, cybersecurity is imperative for public sector organizations seeking to protect operations and public trust.
- Recording: Watch Session 4
Session 5: Finance Modernization Strategies for Government
CFO Advisory Leaders Michael Piotrowski and Brandi Westbrook presented strategies for modernizing financial systems and processes in the public sector. The session emphasized a holistic approach to transformation, integrating people, process, technology and data to drive efficiency, compliance and transparency. Presenters highlighted the importance of aligning modernization efforts with organizational strategy, fostering stakeholder buy-in and building resilience to adapt to evolving demands.
Action Items for Financial System Modernization
Modernization goes beyond technology and necessitates a robust, adaptable infrastructure and culture.
The session underscored the value of continuous improvement, collaborative strategy and citizen-centric design, encouraging organizations to move from reactive to proactive approaches and to leverage automation, analytics, and best practices for lasting impact.
- Recording: Watch Session 5
Session 6: GASB Standards Update
Technical Accounting Leaders Danny Martinez and Scott Anderson provided a comprehensive update on the latest GASB pronouncements, implementation guidance and upcoming projects. The session covered new standards, including:
- GASB 101 (Compensated absences)
- GASB 102 (Certain risk disclosures)
- GASB 103 (Financial reporting model improvements)
- GASB 104 (Disclosure of certain capital assets)
Presenters emphasized tailoring approaches to each government’s unique policies, maintaining clear documentation and engaging stakeholders throughout the process. For a deeper dive, explore our GASB 101 implementation strategies webinar for our seven key insights to support successful adoption.
Action Items for GASB Compliance and Financial Reporting
GASB’s evolving standards require a proactive, strategic approach to financial reporting and compliance.
“Consider implementing a GASB pronouncement tracker. An Excel Spreadsheet…with name of pronouncement, what’s changing, effective date, and most importantly, who at the government is responsible.”
The session highlighted the value of leveraging checklists, implementation trackers and continuous improvement to ensure transparency, resilience and effective communication with both auditors and the public.
For a foundational overview of recent accounting changes impacting government entities, listen to our GASB 101 Implementation podcast, which outlines phase one considerations and practical implications for financial reporting.
- Recording: Watch Session 6
Session 7: Year-end Close Best Practices
Advisory and Audit Leaders Danny Martinez and Lauren Strope shared practical strategies for streamlining the year-end financial close and producing high-quality annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs). The session addressed common challenges such as staffing shortages, changing regulations, aging financial systems and decentralized processes, and provided a seven-step framework for closing with confidence.
See how one city successfully navigated tight audit timelines in this case study illustrating practical strategies for year-end close and audit readiness.
Martinez and Strope emphasized year-round preparation, strong internal controls, centralized calendars, leveraging technology, timely implementation of new standards, efficient audit coordination and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Action Items for Efficient Year-end Close and ACFR Reporting
A successful year-end close depends on proactive planning, clear documentation and continuous improvement.
“Think of your close as a continuous process — monthly and quarterly reconciliations, interim reviews, and well-documented procedures will set you up for success at year-end.”
The session also highlighted modern solutions for ACFR preparation, including co-sourcing, enterprise resource planning (ERP) modules and specialized software, encouraging organizations to move beyond manual processes and embrace tools that support accuracy, transparency and efficiency.
- Recording: Watch Session 7
Session 8: ERP Selection and Technology Trends for Government
Technology and Advisory Leaders George DelPrete and Jim Holman guided government professionals through the critical success factors for selecting and implementing ERP systems. The session addressed challenges such as legacy technology, integration hurdles, data migration, change management and the importance of aligning ERP solutions with organizational strategy and stakeholder needs.
Panelists Bob Ford, CFO of the City of Republic, Missouri, and Zach Salvato, CIO of Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, shared practical insights on building consensus, managing process modernization and leveraging external advisors for successful outcomes.
Action Items for ERP Modernization and Implementation
ERP modernization is a vital technology tool for transforming processes and culture.
“In my experience, the number one reason for ERP implementation failure is insufficient training and change management. If you're going through an ERP implementation, do not underinvest in training or getting the reports you need developed. Those are key success factors.”
The session highlighted the importance of prioritizing requirements, investing in training and change management, documenting decision rationale and fostering collaboration across departments to ensure ERP projects deliver lasting value and efficiency.
- Recording: Watch Session 8
Public Sector Innovation and Best Practices From the 2025 Government Conference
The conference showcased the resilience, adaptability and forward-thinking leadership of public sector organizations nationwide. From federal funding updates and performance audit best practices to grants compliance, cybersecurity, finance modernization, GASB standards, year-end close strategies and ERP implementation, each session delivered practical insights and proven strategies to help government leaders navigate complexity and drive meaningful change.
Whether you are seeking guidance on compliance, financial reporting, IT modernization or strategic planning, Cherry Bekaert’s government professionals are here to support your journey. Our team brings deep knowledge of public sector trends, challenges and solutions, and we are committed to helping you achieve your mission with confidence.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Contact Cherry Bekaert’s Government & Public Sector team today to discuss your organization’s needs, request a consultation, or learn more about our tailored advisory, audit and technology services. Let us help you turn conference insights into actionable results for your agency.
Related Insights
- Podcast: GASB 101 Podcast Series
