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Weekly Updates[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
ASMC: What do you view as the most important accomplishments of the DoD financial community during the past few years?
Mrs Jonas: The mission of the DoD financial community is to provide the resources our warrighters need to accomplish their mission. In my view, our financial professionals have done a superb job. In February of this year we actually submitted three budgets to Congress, the fiscal year 2008 base budget, the FY 2008 Global War on Terror Request, and the FY 2007 Supplemental Request that supports operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere for the remainder of this fiscal year. Combined, they total some $716 billion and include 42,000 pages of justification data. The budget was not just well-justified, but analytically accurate, and on time--overall, quite an accomplishment.
Next, I am proud of the work we've done to improve DoD financial management, particularly in the area of audit readiness. We have established and are executing our roadmap to financial health--the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness, or FIAR Plan, which includes an Enterprise Transition Plan to finish the development and deployment of needed systems improvements. [Editor's note: See the article on the FIAR Plan, page 40.]
We have also raised awareness of the importance of financial management responsibilities beyond the boundaries of the financial management community through the Check It Internal Management Controls awareness campaign and activities such as the Personnel/Pay Council. One result is that the Department's Statement of Assurance material weaknesses have been reduced by 50 percent--from 70 to 35.
ASMC: How important do you think it is for DoD to achieve an unqualified audit opinion on its financial statements?
Mrs. Jonas: I believe the achievement of an unqualified opinion is absolutely essential both to the Department of Defense and to the government as a whole. We must be accountable to the taxpayers.
ASMC: What can financial managers at DoD's bases and installations do to help you improve the way DoD manages its money?
Mrs. Jonas: All of our plans for improvement depend on base/ installation personnel. We need you [financial managers] to improve internal controls, continue to reduce late payments and receivables, and increase efficiency.
ASMC: Before coming to DoD, you worked for many years on the staff of the House Appropriations Committee. Is your attitude toward the Congress different now?
Mrs. Jonas: I have great respect for our government and Congress. I find that if we do a good job of explaining our needs, and demonstrate accountability, Congress responds by providing us with the resources and flexibility we need.
ASMC: What advice would you have for newer professionals in Defense financial management?
Mrs. Jonas: I am a big proponent of training and education. Those new to the field should acquire as much as they can. Professional certifications are a great thing and help demonstrate skills. I'd say, find a mentor, a seasoned professional who will help and advise. Spend more time providing professional advice, options, and assistance to commanders and managers, and optimize your talents and skills.
ASMC: Are there opportunities to join the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) team as an intern or on a rotational assignment?
Mrs. Jonas: We do have such opportunities, and they are an excellent way to broaden your outlook. The point of contact in my office is Mr. Jack Koller, and he can answer questions and provide the needed assistance.
ASMC: What do you like to do to relax?
Mrs. Jonas: I like to get out of town and enjoy the beach. If I am in town, I work all the time.
ASMC: Any final thoughts?
Mrs. Jonas: I want to thank all the financial management professionals in the Department of Defense. You have a heavy workload and are under a lot of pressure. Yet you do a marvelous job and are the most dedicated civil servants I have encountered in my 22 years of government service. Thank you for your dedication and service to the nation.
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