The AICPA's proposal for federal accounting reform

Article Abstract:

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has recommended that the federal government reform its accounting process by appointing a chief financial officer, setting up a commission to recommend procedures for developing accounting principles, requiring financial statements for the government as a whole as well as individual agencies; and requiring the auditing of government financial statements. The AICPA recommendations do not recognize the government's basic financial management problem: the dichotomy between financial reporting, which the AICPA report addresses, and budgetary reporting, the system reporting entities' compliance with the budget. The government needs a single accounting structure with a common group of principles tied to the budget. The budget system should be restructured to help managers control expenses through the use of accrual accounting.

Laws, regulations and rules, Reports, National government, Federal government, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

---

Preparing and maintaining a budget manual

Article Abstract:

Budget manuals should indicate what budget activities should be performed, how the budget is to be constructed and used, when budgeting activities should take place, and who should perform these activities. The manual should be aimed at end users and should be able to assist several management levels. The writing style and layout of the manual needs to be clear and uncomplicated. Contents should include: statement of budgeting purpose and desired end results; duties of organization members regarding the budget; preparation, approval, and revision of the budget; a budget calendar; and sample forms and reports. Budget manuals link layers of management with an accurate portrait of corporate financial status and also can improve communications.

Methods, Usage, Finance, Budget, Budgeting, Budgets, Corporations, Corporate finance, Business budgets, Handbooks, vade-mecums, etc., Handbooks

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A second opinion: the AICPA's proposal for federal accounting reform - 'it's on the mark'. Congressman DioGuardi: the U.S. government needs a chief financial officer
• Abstracts: Classification and coding for accounting operations. Presenting accounting information to management. Decision Support Systems - a new NAA monograph
• Abstracts: Classification and coding for accounting operations. Research: how to get sued. Activity account - an update - part one
• Abstracts: Ethics for academics. Bartering: an ancient concept revived. 'PC: what did we earn last year?' (using natural language processing) (includes related articles on General Electric's natural language system and two examples of how natural language interfaces help)
• Abstracts: Interpersonal relations as a context for the effects of appraisal interviews on performance and satisfaction: a longitudinal study

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.