Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Governmental accounting involves recording and managing financial transactions for government entities. It ensures proper use of public funds and compliance with laws and regulations.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Governmental accounting uses fund accounting to segregate resources according to their intended purpose.
The primary objective is accountability rather than profitability.
It follows the standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Budgets play a crucial role in governmental accounting, guiding spending and resource allocation.
Financial reports in governmental accounting are used by various stakeholders including citizens, legislators, and oversight bodies.
Review Questions
Related terms
Fund Accounting: A system that emphasizes accountability rather than profitability by segregating funds according to their designated purposes.
The organization responsible for setting accounting and financial reporting standards for U.S. state and local governments.
Budgetary Accounting: The process of managing and tracking funding allocations as per the approved budget, ensuring expenditures do not exceed authorized amounts.