Financial Management in the Public Sector

The course will be taught in theoretical-practical classes, in which the theoretical presentations (expository method) will always be accompanied by the illustration and resolution of exercises and practical cases, questions and real-life issues arising from the application of the concepts, principles and other precepts of public financial management. In this way, expository-participatory teaching and learning methodologies will foster the relationship between teachers and students, encouraging the latter to participate in the discussion and identification of examples illustrating the theoretical content (participatory method). In addition, to make the lectures more appealing, a variety of audiovisual media will be used and students will be encouraged, individually or in groups, to carry out small pieces of research / consolidate knowledge during classes and/or outside of them (active method). To summarise, the teaching methodologies used are:

M1. Lectures – Concepts

M2. Participative – Discussion of cases and examples;

M3. Active – Cases solved by the students;

M4. Self-study – Preparation of individual assessment.

The learning objectives of the Financial Management in the Public Sector are as follows:

– To provide competences in the implementation of rigorous financial management in public entities;

– Provide students with solid training in financial management in the public sector;

– To present the legal rules governing financial management in the public sector.

– Knowledge of the process of drawing up and implementing the budget in the context of financial management in the public sector.

1. the evolution of public finances

2.            Overview of public accounting

3.            Managing public money

3.1 Concept, types and functions of the budget (political, financial and management instrument)

3.2 Budgetary principles

3.3 Criteria for good financial management

4.            Financing the public sector

5.            Tools for analysing financial statements

5.1.        The financial function

5.2 Indicators/ratios

6.            Public administration and financial control

6.1 Control of public finances

6.2 Internal control

6.3 External control

NAO