This comprehensive course provides public sector leaders with essential knowledge and skills in financial management principles and practices specific to government and public organizations. Participants will learn how to navigate the complex landscape of public finance, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements. The course emphasizes strategic financial decision-making that balances fiscal responsibility with public service delivery objectives. Through case studies and practical exercises, attendees will develop the capability to manage public funds effectively while ensuring transparency and accountability. This training is crucial for leaders responsible for stewarding public resources and achieving organizational missions.
Public Financial Management for Leaders
Leadership and Business Management
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand public financial management principles and frameworks
- Develop and manage public sector budgets effectively
- Interpret and analyze government financial statements
- Ensure compliance with public financial regulations
- Make strategic financial decisions in public sector context
- Implement internal controls and fraud prevention measures
- Manage public procurement and contracting processes
- Communicate financial information to stakeholders
- Evaluate financial performance of public programs
Target Audience
- Public sector executives and directors
- Government department heads
- Municipal and local government leaders
- Non-profit organization executives
- Public agency managers
- Elected officials with financial oversight
- Public finance officers
- Program managers with budget responsibility
Methodology
- Case studies of public financial management
- Budget simulation exercises
- Financial statement analysis workshops
- Compliance scenario discussions
- Stakeholder communication role-playing
- Group problem-solving activities
- Real-world public finance examples
Personal Impact
- Enhanced financial management capabilities
- Improved strategic decision-making skills
- Stronger understanding of public sector accountability
- Increased confidence in financial leadership
- Better communication of financial information
- Enhanced ethical decision-making
Organizational Impact
- Improved fiscal discipline and responsibility
- Enhanced public trust and confidence
- Better resource allocation and utilization
- Stronger compliance with regulations
- Reduced financial risks and fraud incidents
- More effective public service delivery
Course Outline
Unit 1: Public Financial Management Framework
Foundational Concepts- Principles of public financial management
- Differences between public and private sector finance
- Legal and regulatory framework for public finance
- Fiscal policy and economic context
- Role of oversight bodies and audit institutions
- Transparency and accountability requirements
- Ethical considerations in public finance
- Stakeholder expectations and public trust
Unit 2: Budgeting and Appropriations
Budget Cycle- Public budget preparation and formulation
- Legislative approval and appropriation process
- Budget execution and monitoring
- Year-end reporting and evaluation
- Performance-based budgeting
- Managing budget variances and adjustments
- Contingency planning and reserve management
- Multi-year financial planning
Unit 3: Financial Reporting and Analysis
Financial Statements- Understanding government financial statements
- Fund accounting principles
- Revenue recognition and measurement
- Expense classification and tracking
- Financial ratio analysis for public sector
- Trend analysis and forecasting
- Cost-benefit analysis for public projects
- Financial sustainability assessment
Unit 4: Internal Controls and Compliance
Control Framework- Designing effective internal control systems
- Segregation of duties and authorization procedures
- Asset safeguarding and inventory management
- IT controls and cybersecurity in public finance
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
- Audit preparation and response
- Fraud detection and prevention
- Whistleblower protection and reporting
Unit 5: Strategic Financial Leadership
Decision Making- Strategic resource allocation
- Capital investment decision-making
- Risk management in public finance
- Financial leadership in crisis situations
- Communicating financial performance to public
- Working with governing boards and committees
- Media relations for financial matters
- Building public confidence in financial management
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