(a) i. Books of accounts used in public sector accounting - These include:
- Cash book
- Imprest cash book
- Register of vouchers
- Vote book
- Expenditure ledger/Vote service ledger
- Salary abstract
- Payment voucher
- Receipt voucher Adjustment voucher
- Stores issue voucher
- Stores receipt voucher
- Stock register for value books
- Revenue collectors' cash book
- Revenue and Expenditure Accounts
ii. Users of public sector accounting information. These include;- Students/researchers/teachers
- Legislators/Parliament/national assembly
- Central/Federal Government agencies e.g. Tax authorities, Statistical services, Ministry of finance: Central bank, etc.
- Accountants
- Investors
- Trade unions
- Financial analysts
- Financial institutions
- Auditors
- Suppliers
- Foreign lenders
- General public/employees
- Non-governmental organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Foreign governments
- International organizations, e.g. World Bank, IME IFC, etc
- Local Government/District Assemblies
(b) Differences between -
Public sector accounting | Private sector accounting |
The objective is to ascertain the efficiency of the collection and use of public funds | The objective is to ascertain the profitability or otherwise of the business. |
Does not adopt the matching concept. Here, expenditure is compared with the fund voted for that activity or sector | Adopts the matching concept of accounting whereexpenses are compared with the associated income |
Accounts mainly prepared are the Revenue andExpenditure Accounts and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities (i.e. Statement of Financial Position) | Accounts prepared are the Statement of ComprehensiveIncome (Profit and Loss Account) and the Statement ofFinancial Position (Balance sheet) |
The cost of fixed assets is written off immediately after purchase | The cost of fixed assets is spread over the useful life of the asset. |
Uses the fund and vote system of accounting | Uses entity or proprietorship system of accounting. |
Tangible fixed assets are not recorded separately and shown in the Balance Sheet | Tangible fixed assets must be shown in the Balance Sheet together with the aggregate depreciation and net book value to date |
Accounts are prepared for the general public | Accounts are prepared for owners/shareholders and other stakeholders |
The preparation and presentation of accounts are regulated by the Constitution of the country as well as the relevant Financial Administration Acts and Regulations of that country | The preparation of accounts is regulated by Company's code other Acts related to that specific business and International Accounting Standards. |
There is no distinction between capital and revenue | There is a clear distinction between capital and revenueexpenditure and income. |
Accounts are mainly prepared on a cash basis ofaccounting | Accounts are prepared on an accrual basis of accounting. |