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FreeBalance Helps Bring Together International Public Financial Management Experts for 21st Annual ICGFM Conference in Miami

Conference highlights latest innovations and good practices in government financial management

FreeBalance, a provider of software solutions for public financial management and fiscal transparency, helped bring together leading public finance management experts at the International Consortium on Government Financial Management Conference (ICGFM) in Miami, Florida from May 21 to May 25, 2007 (www.icgfm.org). The annual conference provides a forum for more than 300 participants from over 40 countries to share the latest practices for good governance, sustainable development, government capacity building and electronic government. Two days of the conference were dedicated to case studies, policies and practices to help civil servants improve Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS).

"The annual ICGFM conference is an ideal forum for exchanging ideas and learning from global governments and the experiences of other countries", said Manuel Schiappa Pietra, President and CEO of FreeBalance."The event also gives FreeBalance an opportunity to improve our products and services to support the unique needs of the global government financial management market. We encourage our customers and partners to attend these important ICGFM events."

International public financial management experts provided valuable knowledge transfer at the event. Speakers included Ken Cochrane, CIO for the Government of Canada; Andy Wynne, Head of Public Sector Technical Issues, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); Dr. Michael Parry, Chairperson, International Management Consultants Limited (IMCL); James A. St. Clair, CISM, Senior Manager, Global Public Sector, Grant Thornton LLP; Dr. Errol Cort, Minister of Finance & Economy, Government of Antigua & Barbuda; and Gerhard Pohl, Ph.D., Senior Director, Operations, Development Gateway Foundation.

FreeBalance's Vice President of Marketing, Doug Hadden, had the opportunity to present at the event on the topic of new technologies for public financial management. His presentation included an overview of the top technology technology and market trends affecting the industry. Mr. Hadden's presentation from the ICFGM event is available online in English, Spanish and French.

Representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America also shared insights on a broad array of current topics in governmental financial management. Key themes and areas of interest that were addressed during the conference include:

  • New programs and approaches to government financial management
  • International lessons learned and proven best practices
  • Promoting good governance and transparency
  • Combating fraud and tackling corruption
  • Enabling accountability in times of crisis
  • Sustainable development and government capacity building
  • Working and learning in the new "e-world"

Case studies, policies and global practices for Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) focused on:

  • Emerging trends and new technologies in Public Financial Management
  • International government financial management standards
  • IFMIS implementation, sustainability and capacity building
  • Integrating procurement and aid management

The International Consortium on Government Financial Management Conference (ICGFM) is renowned for effective public financial management knowledge transfer across government, consultancies, aid providers, and software vendors. The Public Fund Digest, published by ICGFM, provides some of the latest research for government financial managers. Mr. Schiappa Pietra, President and CEO of FreeBalance, is on the board of directors of the ICGFM.

About FreeBalance

FreeBalance provides software solutions for public financial management to governments worldwide. Software solutions from FreeBalance help governments improve fiscal transparency, accountability, and good fiscal governance as the foundation for economic growth and development. Founded in 1984, FreeBalance is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices in the Americas and Europe. To learn more, visit www.FreeBalance.com.

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