Financial Accounting for Public Administrations

The course will be taught in theoretical-practical classes, where the theoretical presentations (expository method) will always be accompanied by the illustration and resolution of practical exercises, questions and real-life examples of the application of the concepts, principles and other precepts of public financial accounting. 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 main objective of this CU is to understand, apprehend and apply the Financial Accounting (FA) system of public administrations.

Specific objectives:

– To provide solid training in public accounting (PA), particularly with regard to FA;

– Identify the accounting standardisation process pursued in the Portuguese public sector and the content of the resulting conceptual structure;

– Study and analyse the PASs inherent in the FA system;

– Present the concept of Public Assets and their classification.

In terms of skills and knowledge acquired, students should be able to:

– Understand the general concepts and specific accounting designations of the FA;

– Interpret and apply the SNC-AP, particularly with regard to FA;

– Assimilate the notion of Public Assets and their classification.

– Retain the main aspects of the PASs analysed and their impact on the PA;

– Interpret and apply the accounting treatment of the various subjects covered.

I – The SNC-AP and the Conceptual Framework
II – The public property
Notion and classification
The Inventory of public property
III – Investments
Intangible Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment
Service Concession Arrangements: Grantor
Recognition of Assigned Properties
IV – Revenue
Revenue from Exchange Transactions
Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions
V – Impairment
Non-Cash Generating Assets
Cash Generating Assets
VI – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
VII – Borrowing Costs

NAO