The Case for Accrual Recording in the IMF's Government Finance Statistics System

Author/Editor:

Don Efford

Publication Date:

July 1, 1996

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper investigates whether the planned revision of the IMF’s A Manual on Government Finance Statistics should advocate an accrual basis of recording over the essentially cash basis of recording in the previous manual. The paper concludes that the revised manual should advocate an accrual basis in order to address deficiencies of the existing modified cash basis and enable a greater degree of harmonization with other macroeconomic statistical systems. The paper suggests a strategy that would enable countries to move progressively to compiling an extensive range of accrual information reconciling data on economic and financial flows and stocks.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1996/073

Subject:

Accrual accounting Currencies Economic and financial statistics Financial statements Government finance statistics Money National accounts Public financial management (PFM)

English

Publication Date:

July 1, 1996

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451849417/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0731996

Pages:

36

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