Public Financial Management (PFM) means managing the finances of a public sector entity such as the National Government, State Government or any Government ministries, agency departments, or local government. Public Financial Management and Administration is essential for ensuring the effective utilization of public resources and fostering transparency and accountability in governance.

The primary objectives of public financial management are to ensure the efficient, effective, and transparent use of public resources, to support the delivery of public services, and to promote fiscal sustainability. Effective PFM practices are crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline, achieving policy objectives, and building public trust in government institutions.

This course covers various aspects of financial management within the public sector, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, and fiscal policy. Participants will learn about the principles, practices, and tools essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management processes.

Target Participants

This course is suitable for professionals working in the public sector, including government officials, finance officers, budget analysts, auditors, policymakers in the public sector, and staff from development agencies and civil society organizations

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• To explore budgeting techniques and practices in the public sector
• Describe and analyze the budget cycle and its main components
• To develop practical skills for managing public finances effectively and efficiently
• Describe a simple medium-term budget framework, a cash management plan, and a public investment management reform strategy
• Identify tools for the effective management of fiscal risks, components of fiscal transparency, reliable fiscal reports, and internal and external audits
• Identify issues relevant to the prioritization and sequencing of PFM reforms, and the challenges faced in implementing such reforms
• Explain how civil society, public participation, and supreme audit institutions keep governments accountable
• Describe the role of local conditions and political institutions in designing and implementing reforms

Course Duration

Classroom Based – 5 Days

Online – 7 Days

Course Outline

Introduction to Public Financial Management (PFM)

• Public Financial Management Framework
• Objectives of Public Financial Management
• Role and significance of PFM in governance
• Fiscal Policy
• Budget Cycle

Budget Strategy

• Budgeting and budgeting techniques
• Revenue management
• Project management

Budget Formulation

• Annual Budget
• Medium-Term Budget

Budget Approval

• Legislative Approval
• PFM Act
• Legal Aspects of Budget Approval

Budget Execution

• Budget execution strategy
• Budget execution cycle
• Cash planning
• Debt management
• Procurement

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Fundamentals of Governmental Accounting
• Governmental accounting standards and regulations
• Preparation and presentation of financial statements
• Financial reporting and transparency in the public sector

Accounting and Internal Control

• Financial Management Information Systems
• Accounting aspects – Accrual and Cash basis IPSAS
• Internal Control Policies
• Information and Communication

Auditing and Fiscal Policy

• Internal and external auditing in public sector organizations
• Auditing standards and methodologies
• Risk management
• Fiscal policy objectives, tools, and challenges

Budget Evaluation

• Budget Feedback
• Comparing Actuals vs Budgets
• Fiscal Transparency
• Updating the Budget Strategy

Training Approach

This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, presentations, group work, and case studies.

Training notes and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs.