Meeting Location:  Fairfax County Government Center

Late Registration starts on Monday, April 6th at 1:00 PM

Registration CLOSES on Thursday, April 9th at 1:00 PM

RCHs: TBD

Topic 1: Payroll Accounting

Whether you are a seasoned payroll professional or someone just starting in the field, you will gain an understanding of how payroll affects an organization’s financial statements. This presentation provides insight into the accounting cycle. It will cover accounting from the five types of accounts to terminology and concepts. You will learn what determines the chart of accounts, the basics of accounting principles and classifications, payroll-specific accounts, what a debit and a credit are, and how to quickly remember which account each represents. There will be accounting tidbits to help you remember basic account balances and their impact on accounts. A discussion on what the accounting process is, from journal entries, recording transactions, to what and when to record, when payments are made, and miscellaneous journal entries. What represents an accounting period, journal entries for accruals such as vacation, and reversal of journal entries? Internal controls in the accounting process. Some information on financial statements, including what a balance sheet and an income statement are. You will gain knowledge of audits and the role the payroll department has in them. What is controlling check fraud/Check 21, and finally wrap up with review questions? Please join us for the meeting as either a refresher in accounting or to receive new information that will enhance your job.

Topic 2: Government Happenings Impacting Payroll in 2026

Speaker 1: Christine Van Ness, CPP

Christine Van Ness, CPP (Chris), pursued her passion for payroll immediately after high school by working in the family business. She earned her Certified Payroll Professional designation in the Spring of 2005. She is a member of Payroll Org and the following local chapters: the WMAC, Charm City, and Lone Star. She currently serves as Director, Education for WMAC. She has presented PAYO’s Money Matters class to hundreds of middle and high school students.

Speaker 2: Mike Baer, CPP

Michael Baer, CPP, has built his career on making payroll aware of issues current and upcoming, and seeks to educate all involved about them. He frequently publishes on payroll-related developments, assesses compliance and data protocols, and advises on payroll data security, employee payments and communications, among other things. For decades, Mike was managing editor overseeing domestic and international payroll news and analysis with Bloomberg Tax, previously BNA.

Menu: Breakfast will be provided

Outreach: