There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

The public sector makes up around 40% of most developed economies. Yet accounting and auditing rules and techniques are almost entirely focussed on the private sector. In many important respects, the public sector deviates from these, but this does not form part of traditional accounting programmes. The working context of the public sector is also different from the private sector – greater levels of accountability (and therefore reporting), the political context of budget setting (especially around tax), and difficulties around what actions to take (policy development) and how to measure success.This module therefore offers you an insight into the workings and processes of the public sector, with particular attention focussing on the annual cycle of budgeting, performance monitoring, and outcomes reporting. This module will contextualise public sector accounting within the theoretical frameworks – value for money, new public management, and public value – that have dominated contemporary academic and practitioner debate. The module will provide you with a conceptual understanding of the sector, as well as knowledge of the specific accounting issues that it faces. It will also provide you with the skills and knowledge to work effectively within a public sector organisation, or to begin further research and study in this area.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate understanding of the composition of the public sector, and the
legal framework within which it operates, in an international context.

LO2: Critically evaluate the financial cycle within the public sector, including raising
money, budgeting, spending control and financial reporting.

LO3: Critically assess the main themes of academic research into the public sector,
including new public management, value for money, public value, and the
political context of public sector finances.

LO4: Reflect on the process of research and learning.