Financial Management for Public Sector Management

Course Overview:

Public financial management (PFM) is the backbone of good governance. It ensures that public resources are planned, allocated, spent, and accounted for efficiently and transparently. This training course is designed to build the capacity of public officials and stakeholders in key financial management practices that support accountability, service delivery, and fiscal discipline in the public sector.

The course covers the full PFM cycle from planning and budgeting to execution, reporting, auditing, and performance evaluation. It incorporates international standards, local governance frameworks, and emerging trends in public sector finance.

Course Objectives:

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

• Understand the principles and components of public financial management.
• Prepare, implement, and monitor public budgets effectively.
• Apply financial controls, accounting, and reporting standards.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
• Align financial practices with national development and policy goals.
• Prepare for and respond to audits and performance evaluations.

Target Audience:

• Government Finance Officers
• Budget Officers and Planners
• Auditors and Accountants in Public Institutions
• Treasury and Procurement Staff
• Project Managers in Public Programs
• Parliamentarians and Oversight Bodies

Duration:

4 Weeks (or adjustable to 5–6 Weeks depending on the depth and format)

Delivery Format:

• Instructor-led lectures and workshops
• Case studies and group discussions
• Role-plays and simulations
• Practical exercises and templates
• Real-time budgeting and reporting simulations

 

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Public Financial Management (PFM)

• Definition and objectives of PFM
• Legal and institutional framework
• PFM cycle and public financial governance

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Public Finance

• Public finance laws, regulations, and policies
• Roles of Treasury, Ministries, Parliament, and Auditors
• Financial responsibilities of public officers

Module 3: Public Sector Budgeting Principles

• Budget cycle: preparation, approval, execution, evaluation
• Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)
• Types of budgets: line-item, performance-based, program-based

Module 4: Budget Preparation and Planning

• Budget ceilings and resource envelopes
• Linking budgets to national development plans and SDGs
• Participatory budgeting and stakeholder engagement

Module 5: Budget Execution and Control

• Commitment and expenditure controls
• Fund release processes and cash management
• Role of treasury and spending agencies

Module 6: Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

• Introduction to International Public Sector Accounting Standards
• Accrual vs. cash basis accounting in the public sector
• Chart of accounts and coding structures

✅ Module 7: Revenue Management in the Public Sector

• Revenue sources (tax, non-tax, grants, loans)
• Revenue forecasting and collection
• Revenue tracking and accountability

Module 8: Expenditure Management and Control

• Expenditure lifecycle: authorization, commitment, payment
• Managing recurrent vs. capital expenditure
• Avoiding overspending and accumulation of arrears

Module 9: Treasury and Cash Management

• Cash flow forecasting and planning
• Bank accounts and payment systems
• Treasury Single Account (TSA) frameworks

Module 10: Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Components of effective internal control systems
• Risk identification and mitigation strategies
• Internal audit roles and responsibilities

Module 11: Procurement and Financial Compliance

• Public procurement rules and standards
• Linkages between procurement and finance
• Fraud, corruption, and compliance issues

Module 12: Financial Reporting and Public Accountability

• Types of public financial reports
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting
• Budget vs. actual analysis

Module 13: External Audit and Oversight

• Role of Supreme Audit Institutions (e.g., Auditor General)
• Preparing for audits: checklists and best practices
• Responding to audit findings and implementing recommendations

Module 14: Fiscal Decentralization and Intergovernmental Finance

• Fiscal transfers and revenue sharing
• Role of local governments in PFM
• Building capacity for subnational PFM

Module 15: Transparency, Ethics, and Anti-Corruption in PFM

• Open budgeting and transparency initiatives
• Promoting ethical behavior in financial management
• Whistleblower protection and anti-corruption frameworks

Module 16: Performance Monitoring and PFM Reforms

• Monitoring fiscal performance and public service delivery
• Key PFM reform trends: IFMIS, e-Government, Digital Payments
• Country examples of successful PFM reforms

 

Optional Add-ons for Training Package

• Trainer’s Manual & Participant Workbook
• PowerPoint Slides for Each Module
• Practical Budget Templates and Reporting Formats
• Case Studies (local and international contexts)
• Pre/Post-Training Assessments
• Certificate of Completion Template