Course Overview

course description for Public Sector Accounting I in a B.Sc. Accounting program:

???? Public Sector Accounting I

Course Description

This course introduces students to accounting principles and practices within government and public sector organizations. It focuses on fund accounting, budgetary processes, and financial reporting for public entities, highlighting accountability and transparency. Students will learn to apply national accounting standards and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to prepare financial statements for various public sector units.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the role and objectives of accounting in the public sector.

2. Apply fund accounting principles in recording and reporting financial transactions.

3. Prepare basic financial statements for government and public organizations.

4. Analyze the budgeting and financial control processes in public entities.

5. Demonstrate ethical practices in public financial management.

Course Content (Main Topics)

• Introduction to public sector accounting: scope and objectives

• Differences between public sector and private sector accounting

• Accounting framework for government and non-profit entities

• Fund accounting: general funds, special funds, and trust funds

• Recording of revenues, grants, and appropriations

• Budget preparation, execution, and control

• Financial statements in public sector entities (Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Financial Performance)

• Accountability and transparency in public financial management

• Introduction to IPSAS and national public sector standards

• Ethical considerations in public sector accounting

Teaching Methods

• Lectures and tutorials

• Practical exercises using public sector financial data

• Case studies on government and NGO accounting

• Group discussions on accountability and ethics

Assessment Methods

• Continuous Assessment (Assignments & Quizzes) – 40%

• Practical Exercises / Case Study – 20%

• Final Examination – 40%

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Prepare basic financial statements for public sector organizations.

• Apply fund accounting principles effectively.

• Analyze budgets and financial performance in public entities.

• Interpret IPSAS requirements in reporting.

• Uphold ethical standards in public financial management.

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