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State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has launched a new Academy for New York State Local Officials that will provide an enhanced training program to help local administrators and employees become more effective in the day-to-day operations of their government.

The Academy, operated by the Comptroller's Division of Local Government and School Accountability, increases the number of classroom training sessions and web-based seminars offered on a wide range of topics, including governmental accounting, fiscal responsibilities, board oversight, cybersecurity and policy development.

"We're the taxpayers' watchdog. We look over the shoulders of local officials to make sure the books are managed right, but we also offer them a helping hand," said DiNapoli. "We know that keeping a local government's workforce trained and educated on the latest technical and fraud methods is not easy on a limited budget. We can help. Our new Academy for New York State Local Officials is a smart, cost-effective way for local officials to get the professional training they need and deserve."

The Academy provides in-person and online training opportunities, including accounting schools, regional seminars and monthly webinars. There are also interactive training segments aimed at newly elected local officials, such as supervisors, clerks, board members, highway superintendents, attorneys and other fiscal personnel. These sessions will help individuals learn more about open meetings laws, conflicts of interest, financial reporting and requirements of the Freedom of Information Law.

The Comptroller's office also regularly produces technical advisory bulletins and publications that address a variety of topics that are vital to understanding and managing local governments' interests.

In 2014, more than 10,000 local officials received training through the Comptroller's efforts.

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