Module 1: Introduction to Public Sector Accounting and Financial Management

• Overview of Public Sector Accounting
  • Definition and principles
  • The role of public sector accountants
• Public Sector Financial Reporting
  • Key differences between public and private sector accounting
  • Key financial statements in the public sector (e.g., government balance sheets, income statements)
• International Standards in Public Sector Accounting
  • Overview of IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards)
  • Comparison between IFRS and IPSAS
• Ethical Considerations in Public Sector Accounting
  • The role of ethics in public finance and accountability
  • Public sector accountability frameworks

Module 2: Budgeting and Financial Planning in the Public Sector

• Public Sector Budgeting Frameworks
  • Types of budgets (e.g., cash-based, accrual-based)
  • The budget cycle in government
• Government Financial Management Systems
  • Budget preparation, approval, and implementation
  • The role of oversight agencies (e.g., auditor general, budget office)
• Fiscal Policy and Public Debt Management
  • Understanding fiscal policies and their impact on public sector financial planning
  • Managing public debt in the public sector
• Legal Framework for Public Sector Budgeting
  • Government budgeting laws and regulations
  • Role of the legislature in public budgeting

Module 3: Taxation in the Public Sector

• Overview of Public Sector Taxation
  • Taxation principles and objectives
  • Types of taxes in the public sector
• Tax Policy and Administration
  • Tax policies, compliance, and collection methods
  • Role of tax authorities and agencies
• International Taxation Standards
  • OECD guidelines on tax administration
  • Cross-border taxation issues
• Tax Ethics and Compliance
  • Addressing tax evasion and fraud
  • Ethical issues in tax policy and administration

Module 4: Public Financial Reporting and Accountability

• Government Financial Statements
  • Preparing financial reports: income statement, balance sheet, cash flow
  • Key reporting standards: IPSAS and IFRS
• Auditing and Accountability
  • The role of internal and external audits in public sector accounting
  • Public sector financial audits and their impact on transparency
• Performance-Based Budgeting
  • Linking budget decisions to performance outcomes
  • Measuring efficiency and effectiveness in public spending
• Public Sector Sustainability and Financial Reporting
  • Reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in public sector entities

Module 5: Advanced Public Sector Taxation and Compliance

• Complex Taxation Issues in the Public Sector
  • Handling international tax laws, VAT, and customs duties
  • Managing tax exemptions, reliefs, and incentives
• Taxation for Non-Profit and Government Entities
  • Tax-exempt status and compliance for government bodies
  • Corporate social responsibility in the public sector
• Tax Dispute Resolution
  • Managing tax disputes, audits, and litigation
• Ethics in Public Sector Taxation
  • Balancing revenue generation with fairness and equity

Module 6: Public Sector Financial Management Systems and Technology

• Introduction to Financial Management Systems (FMS)
  • Role of technology in public sector financial management
  • Key FMS tools and software used in government accounting
• Digital Transformation in Public Finance
  • E-government initiatives and the impact on public finance
  • Automation of public sector accounting and budget systems
• Cybersecurity in Public Financial Systems
  • Protecting government financial data and systems from cyber threats
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Financial Technology
  • Legal considerations in implementing technology in public finance
  • Ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and financial transparency

Module 7: Financial Analysis, Risk Management, and Sustainability

• Financial Analysis in the Public Sector
  • Financial ratio analysis for government entities
  • Financial forecasting and budgeting techniques
• Risk Management in Public Finance
  • Identifying and mitigating financial risks in public sector entities
  • The role of risk management frameworks in financial planning
• Sustainability and Public Sector Financial Strategy
  • Understanding sustainability in public financial management
  • Sustainable investment and resource allocation in government
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Risk Management
  • Risk management laws and compliance in public sector organizations
  • Ethical considerations in managing financial risks

Module 8: Exam Preparation, Ethics, and Legal Frameworks

• Review of Key Topics
  • A comprehensive review of all previous modules to consolidate learning
  • Exam preparation: strategies for essay and multiple-choice questions
• Public Sector Accounting Ethics
  • Ethical decision-making in the public sector
  • Managing conflicts of interest and corruption
• Legal Framework in Public Financial Management
  • Legal aspects of budgeting, taxation, and financial reporting
  • Understanding public procurement laws and government contracting
• Professional Conduct and Standards
  • Adhering to GAFM’s ethical and professional standards
  • Case studies on ethical dilemmas in public financial management

• Comprehensive understanding of public sector financial management principles and practices.
• Application of government accounting standards and frameworks, including IPSAS and GASB.
• Development of effective budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation strategies for public entities.
• Advanced auditing techniques and methods for ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability.
• Mastery of public financial reporting, including compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Techniques for evaluating and managing financial risks in government and non-profit organizations.
• Strategies for aligning fiscal policies with economic development goals.

• Public sector finance professionals seeking advanced qualifications.
• Auditors and accountants working with government entities and non-profits.
• Policy advisors and fiscal planners involved in budgeting and economic strategies.
• Graduates in accounting, finance, or public administration aiming for specialization in public finance.
• Financial consultants and analysts interested in public financial systems.
• Government officials responsible for financial oversight and compliance.
• Non-profit organization leaders managing financial operations.