ACCOUNTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR

SHE Level 2
SCQF Credit Points 20.00
ECTS Credit Points 10.00
Module Code M2N425774
Module Leader Siobhan White
School Glasgow School for Business and Society
Subject Finance and Accounting
Trimester
  • A (September start)

Pre-Requisite Knowledge

Financial and Management Accounting

Summary of Content

The aim of this module is to develop the students understanding of the differing accounting and auditing requirements of the major public sector organisations in the UK and Scotland. The course will study sources of funding and the distribution of finance for the major elements of the public sector; central government, local government and the NHS. Practical examples and financial statement preparation will illustrate the technical accounting issues involved. The course will also consider the impact of current developments and changes in legislation upon public sector services.

Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR- Financial reporting and accountability in the public sector. Government Funding. Users of Accounts/Needs of Users PUBLIC SECTOR AUDIT - Legislation. Current Audit Arrangements in Scotland and UK. Supreme Audit. Value for Money; Defined and Illustrated LOCAL GOVERNMENT - Introduction and Functions. Strategic Financial Planning. Budget Preparation. Sources of Revenue and Capital Finance. Revenue Account Preparation THE NHS - Financing and Functions. Recent Developments. Reporting Requirements. Accounting Requirements CENTRAL GOVERNMENT - Sources of Finance. Distribution of Finance. Explanation and Interpretation of Government Funds. Whole of Government Accounts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: 1. Critically understand the essential theories, principles and concepts of public sector accounting and financial management 2. Apply their understanding of the arrangements for financial reporting and accountability within the public sector to appropriate and practical scenarios 3. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of public sector audit theory and appraise the arrangements for public sector audit in the UK 4. Critically discuss the implications of current developments in the public sector upon the delivery of public sector services and the associated financial statements 5. Use appropriate and well developed skills for the gathering, evaluation and analysis of research 6. Communicate the results of their studies and other work accurately and reliably.

Teaching / Learning Strategy

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Indicative Reading

Books and articles: . Van Helden, P. and Hodges, R. (2015 ). Public Sector Accounting and Budgeting for Non-Specialists . Palgrave Macmillan. . Flynn, N. (2012). Public Sector Management . 6th Edition, Sage Publications Ltd. . Burnham, J. and Horton, S. (2012.) Public Management . 1st Edition, Palgrave Macmillan. . Bandy, G. (2014). Financial Management and Accounting in the Public Sector . 1st Edition, Routledge. . Jones, R. and Pendlebury, M. (2010). Public Sector Accounting . 6th Edition, Prentice Hall. . Coombs, H.E. and Jenkins, D.E. (2001). Public Sector Financial Management , 3rd Edition, Cengage Learning. . Rogers, M. (1995). Public Sector Accounting , 1st Edition, Stanley Thornes . McCabe, W., McKendrick, J., and Rolfe, T. (2001) Financial Reporting and Accountability in the UK Public Sector . CIPFA. . Public Money & Management (Journal) . Financial Accountability & Management in the Public Services (Journal) Online sources: www.cipfa.org.uk <http://www.cipfa.org.uk> www.audit-scotland.gov.uk <http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk> www.nao.org.uk <http://www.nao.org.uk>

Transferrable Skills

By the end of this module students will have gained competence in the following key areas: Numeracy Skills - reflected in the manipulation of financial and other numerical date in examination and seminar financial statement preparation examples Learning Skills - reflected in the use of the library and internet activities to support student centred learning Communication Skills - reflected in seminar contributions C&IT Skills - reflected in acquiring, analysing and communicating information for coursework and research purposes Self Management Skills - reflected in the management of coursework and work during directed learning activities and seminars

Module Structure

Activity Total Hours
Independent Learning 120.00
Assessment 44.00
Lecture 24.00
Seminars 12.00

Assessment Methods

Component Duration Weighting Threshold Description
Coursework 1 n/a 30.00 35% Case Study 2000 words
Exam (Exams Office) 2.00 70.00 35% Unseen examination