2.5ICAG Level 2100 marks

Public Sector Accounting and Finance

Solid knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and technical skills for financial reporting in the public sector. Advisable to complete 2.1 Financial Reporting first.

Builds on: Recommended to attempt after 2.1 Financial Reporting

About This Paper

What is Public Sector Accounting and Finance?

Public Sector Accounting and Finance is a specialist paper that recognises the distinct financial reporting environment of government and public entities in Ghana. Candidates apply International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) — the public sector equivalent of IFRS — and the requirements of Ghana's Public Financial Management Act 2016. The paper covers government budgeting, parliamentary oversight, accountability mechanisms, and the transition from cash to accrual accounting in public sector organisations.

Syllabus Content

What You'll Study

01

IPSAS conceptual framework

Qualitative characteristics, recognition criteria, and the public sector's accountability-centred reporting objectives.

02

Cash basis IPSAS

Reporting for entities on the cash basis; receipts, payments, and disclosures.

03

Accrual basis IPSAS

Key accrual-basis IPSAS standards: IPSAS 1 (financial statements), IPSAS 12 (inventories), IPSAS 17 (property, plant & equipment).

04

Government budgeting and control

The budget cycle, appropriation accounts, commitment accounting, and budget reporting to parliament.

05

Public Financial Management Act 2016

Responsibilities of the Controller and Accountant-General, reporting requirements, and financial controls under Ghanaian law.

06

Accountability and transparency

Parliamentary oversight, the Auditor-General, public accounts committees, and citizen accountability.

All Key Topic Areas

IPSAS frameworkPublic sector financial statementsCash vs accrual accountingGovernment budgetingPublic Financial Management Act 2016Public sector accountability
Professional Development

Skills You'll Develop

01
IPSAS application
02
Government finance
03
Public accountability
04
Regulatory compliance
05
Financial reporting
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Exam Strategy

How to Pass Public Sector Accounting and Finance

This paper has a lot of conceptual content — examiners test understanding through application to scenarios. Practise explaining WHY public sector accounting differs from the private sector, not just WHAT the rules are.

Career Outcomes

Where This Paper Takes You

Government Accountant

Public Sector Finance Manager

Controller and Accountant-General staff

Development Finance Specialist

Donor Funds Accountant

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