The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the financial reporting, management accounting and investment appraisal techniques and practices specifically relating to public sector organisations.  The module also examines the problems of performance evaluation, audit and control of public sector organisations.

A    Knowledge and Understanding:

• evaluate the nature of the public sector and the accountability, control and performance evaluation of public sector activities
• describe the theory, practice and regulatory framework of national and international public sector financial accounting and reporting
• describe the use and practice of management accounting in the planning and control of public sector activities
• identify, evaluate and apply the investment appraisal techniques of public sector organisations
• evaluate critically the role of the audit function and in particular ‘value for money’ auditing in the public sector
• evaluate critically the accounting implications of the changing nature of the public sector

B    Intellectual Skills: 

• synthesise and evaluate data
• exercise powers of inquiry and critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation of arguments and evidence
• sustain a critical argument in writing

C    Discipline Specific Skills: 

• critically revaluate the process of accountability, control and performance evaluation of the public sector
• compare and contrast different management accounting and budgetary control practices used in the public sector
• develop a critical understanding of the theory, practice and regulatory framework of government accounting and reporting
• critically evaluate the accounting implications of the changing nature of the public sector
• critically evaluate the investment appraisal techniques used in the public sector
• appreciate the importance of the role of the audit function and ‘value for money’ in the public sector

D    Transferable Skills: 

• exercise initiative, self reliance and time management skills and work independently
• communicate ideas, principles and theories effective by written means and by class presentation
• appreciate alternative viewports
• access and utilise data by use of the library and by IT (internet etc)

The module will be delivered through a mix of large & small group face-to-face sessions, including, where relevant, supporting digital learning activities and/or recordings

The examination questions contain a range of questions that are designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module and to test the critical and analytical skills of students.

The distinction between the private sector and other sectors of the economy with emphasis on the objectives and techniques of financial accounting, financial reporting and accountability.  The aims, objectives and mechanisms of public sector auditing.  The measurement of performance. Investment appraisal, budgeting, planning and control for public sector organisations.  The accounting implications of the changing nature of the public sector.