This event is an audio conference of the Association of Government Accountants (Des Moines Chapter).

The audio conference will follow with the topic, "Carlo Ponzi or Bernard Madoff - Who Was the Bigger Villain?" at 1:00 p.m. Carlo Ponzi “invented” the Ponzi scheme. Bernie Madoff seems to have “perfected” it. This session explains the two schemes, describes key similarities and differences, and describes why the most sophisticated investors in the 21st century were duped by this most basic of all fraud schemes. It is also a sad tale of how an accountability professional aided and abetted this most recent “mother of all pyramid schemes.” Important lessons were learned by these two fraudsters’ stories—lessons every accountability professional should know.

To share his practical experience in auditing and investigating fraud, waste and abuse is David L. Cotton, CGFM, CFE, CPA, Chairman, Cotton & Company LLP. The firm was founded in 1981 and has a practice concentration in assist­ing federal and state government agencies, inspectors general and government grantees and contractors with a variety of govern­ment program-related assurance and advisory services. Cotton & Company has performed grant and contract, indirect cost rate, financial statement, financial related, and performance audits for more than two dozen federal inspectors general (including the Government Accountability Office, Department of State, the Department of Justice, Department of Education, Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security).

One CPE is offered for the lunch meeting and two CPE are offered for the audio conference (3 CPE total for the event). This meeting will take place in the Knudsen Room of the Jessie Parker Building.

Community Service focus for the months of April and May is National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  Attendees may make monetary donations at the April and May meetings. 

To register, please select the appropriate member status and lunch type.  Please enter your name, organization, email address and lunch selection.  At the bottom of the payment screen, select your payment option.  If you choose to pay by check, select other Payment Option, then Pay By Check.  Please send your check to: Association of Government Accountants, Des Moines Chapter, PO Box 1351, Des Moines, IA 50305  with a copy of your registration confirmation.  Your ticket is not needed for admission into the conference.

For more information, contact Natalie Storm at (515) 281-8047.