If you’ve never belonged to or heard of a User Group, you probably have some questions that need answering. ACL User Groups have plenty to offer – for new or advanced ACL users alike.

What is an ACL User Group?
An ACL User Group is an organization that is created by ACL users who have a common interest in the use and advancement of ACL software in their organizations.

How do I start a User Group?
Let ACL help you to get the word out. We can send an email, on your behalf, to other users in your area to help you jump start the process and get your group going. After interested parties contact you, you can arrange a planning meeting for organizing and maintaining a group.

What’s ACL’s role in running a User Group?
User Groups are completely independent from ACL Services Ltd. User Groups are established, organized and run by its members. ACL supports User Groups by providing information on how to get User Groups running and sharing information with the Groups through live or web-based presentations.

How often do User Groups meet?
User Groups meet according to the wishes of the Group membership. Some Groups meet quarterly and some more frequently. In the end, it’s up to you and your fellow users how often you care to meet.

How do I benefit from belonging to an ACL User Group?
Belonging to an ACL User Group allows you to exchanging information, experiences, best practices and concepts related to ACL technology with other users who share your interests. Participation in a user group enables you to enhance your professional skills, create an extensive network and meet new friends, enhance your interpersonal and leadership skills, and make a difference in your professional community. Additionally, user group members receive special discounts for training and for ACDA certification.

What happens at User Group meetings?
Meetings vary depending on the Group and its needs. Many Groups will ask their members to present on how they’ve gained value out of their use of ACL products and services. Others feature presentations from experts in the Audit profession or from the technology industry. The Group may gather information on their product usage and communicate their observations, recommendations and desires to ACL. Most meetings have question and answer periods, and time to socialize and network with fellow professionals.

Would I get a chance to talk directly to ACL?
When invited and where practicable, ACL Services Ltd. will send staff members to User Group meetings to give presentations on product and service offerings and upcoming events and releases.

How are User Groups governed and structured?
User Groups are organizations independent of ACL, governed by bylaws written by the Group itself. It is recommended that User Groups elect officers – President, Vice-President, Secretary, etc. Some Groups include committees such as an Oversight Committee, a Communications Committee and a Membership Committee. In the end, it’s up to the Group itself to determine how it is to be run.

How much time do I have to commit to belong to a User Group?
The answer to this question depends on how often your Group elects to meet and what role you care to have in the Group leadership. Some just attend an annual meeting whereas others are much more heavily involved.

Is a User Group only for advanced ACL users?
ACL User Groups are for everybody. Common practice in a number of Groups is to have a good balance of presentations and topics – for both new and advanced users. User Groups also feature people from a broad range of industries, so there is plenty of opportunity to learn from what others are doing with ACL products and services.

Do User Group activities count for CPE Credits?
Some User Group activities are eligible for CPE credits. It will be up to the Group Executive to determine which activities are eligible and for arranging for appropriate documentation for attendees to be accredited with the appropriate number of CPE hours.

How much does it cost to belong to a User Group?
User Group fees depend on the individual Group and the activities they undertake.

What might I learn in a User Group meeting?
At a User Group meeting, you may learn a number of things on a multitude of topics. Some Groups have members share their experiences on how they deployed ACL software in their organizations and what value they’ve realized. Others share information on specific tests they performed in targeted audits or fraud investigations. You may also hear presentations from ACL and get product news on recent enhancements or the direction ACL Services Ltd. is taking your product to address end-user needs. You may also learn of ACL training opportunities that the Group is organizing so you can benefit from special User Group pricing.

How can I find out if there is an ACL User Group in my area?
Visit the Existing User Group tab for information on existing User Groups, complete with contact information. And don't forget to check out the User Group topic on the ACL User Forums and see what others are talking about.

How do I contact ACL users in my area to start a local ACL User Group?
There are a number of ways that you can find other ACL users. You can contact us at user_groups@acl.com and we can send an email on your behalf asking users in your area to contact you directly if they are interesting in forming or joining an ACL User Group. You can also go to the Support Center and check out the User Forums. We have a specific topic area for User Groups and you can post to that anytime. You can either read what others have said about User Groups or you can start your own thread inquiring about users in your area. Another alternative is to inquire with your local IIA or ISACA Chapter. There will invariably be members of those organizations who are also ACL users.

How can I promote the User Group to get more members and tell others about our activities?
We can help. You can post details to the User Forums. Our quarterly Take Command! newsletter is open to you to post meeting announcements and other events and you can tell us about your activities. Email us at take_command@acl.com.