In an era of increased public scrutiny and demand for good governance, effective budget accountability frameworks for public funds are essential for ensuring transparency, preventing misuse, and building public trust. Public finance professionals are the custodians of taxpayer money, and their ability to manage resources responsibly and with integrity is a cornerstone of a well-functioning society. This specialized training course is designed to empower individuals and organizations within the public sector to establish and maintain robust systems of fiscal responsibility.

This intensive five-day program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of public fund management. You will learn to design, implement, and monitor accountability frameworks that ensure every public resource is allocated and utilized effectively, ethically, and in line with mandated objectives. By mastering these principles, you will be equipped to enhance fiscal discipline, mitigate risks, and champion a culture of transparency and accountability in all aspects of public finance.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Government Budget Officers
• Public Sector Auditors
• Financial Officers in Government Ministries
• Parliamentary Oversight Committee Members
• Civil Servants involved in procurement
• Policy Analysts
• Heads of Public Institutions
• Treasury Department Officials
• Municipal and Local Government Finance Staff
• Compliance and Ethics Officers in the public sector

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of public finance management.
• Grasp the components of an effective budget accountability framework.
• Identify and mitigate risks of fraud and corruption in public spending.
• Learn best practices for transparent budget formulation and execution.
• Understand the role of legislative and public oversight.
• Develop skills for performance-based budgeting and reporting.
• Analyze the impact of budget decisions on public service delivery.
• Master techniques for effective financial auditing and control.
• Foster a culture of integrity and accountability in public finance.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Public Financial Management

• The principles and legal frameworks of public finance
• The role of budget in national development and policy implementation
• Stakeholder analysis and public trust in financial governance
• Ethical obligations in managing public funds
• International standards and best practices in public finance

Module 2: Budget Formulation and Transparency

• The budget cycle: from policy to implementation
• Best practices for transparent budget preparation
• Citizen engagement and participation in the budgeting process
• Ensuring clarity and accessibility of budget documents
• The role of legislative bodies in budget approval

Module 3: Budget Execution and Control

• Implementing budget appropriations and spending rules
• The importance of internal controls and segregation of duties
• Ethical considerations in public procurement and contracting
• Managing cash flow and expenditure controls
• The role of the treasury in budget execution

Module 4: Budget Accountability Frameworks

• Core components of a comprehensive accountability framework
• Designing institutional arrangements for checks and balances
• Performance and financial reporting requirements
• The link between accountability and good governance
• Case studies of successful and failed accountability systems

Module 5: Fiscal Risk Management and Compliance

• Identifying and assessing fiscal risks in public institutions
• The role of internal audit in ensuring compliance
• Managing contingent liabilities and public debt
• Compliance checks and monitoring mechanisms
• Strategies for addressing non-compliance and ethical breaches

Module 6: Performance-Based Budgeting

• Shifting from input-based to outcome-based budgeting
• Developing performance indicators and targets
• Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness
• Integrating performance data into budget decisions
• Communicating performance results to the public

Module 7: External Oversight and Auditing

• The role and functions of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
• Parliamentary oversight and budget committees
• Engaging with civil society organizations and media for public scrutiny
• Financial audits, performance audits, and compliance audits
• Following up on audit recommendations and findings

Module 8: Combating Corruption and Misuse of Funds

• Understanding corruption risks specific to the public sector
• Red flags and fraud detection techniques
• Developing and enforcing anti-corruption policies
• Whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms
• Case studies on preventing and investigating public fund misuse

Module 9: Post-Budget Reporting and Public Dialogue

• Preparing final accounts and financial statements
• The importance of public reports and accountability reports
• Engaging in public dialogue and feedback on financial performance
• The role of technology in enhancing transparency and public access to information
• Continuous improvement of the accountability framework

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.