Subject: PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING & FINANCE (PSAF)

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  • 4 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q5c – Functions of the State Interests and Governance Authority

Explains four functions of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) in overseeing state entities.

The Nine Hundred and Ninetieth Act of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana entitled the State Interests and Governance Authority Act, 2019 was established to oversee and administer state interests in state-owned enterprises, joint venture companies, and other state entities and to provide for related matters.

Required:

Explain FOUR functions of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).

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  • 6 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q5b – Nolan’s Principles of Public Life

Explains four of Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life, which guide ethical behavior in public office.

 Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life serve as guidelines for ethical behavior in public service. They are not typically enforceable through direct legal actions; instead, they often operate as moral and professional standards shaping the behavior of individuals in public office.

Required:

Explain FOUR of these principles.

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  • 4 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q5a – Public Financial Management Regulations

Explains the provisions in PFM Regulation 2019 for a Principal Spending Officer in the payment process and differentiates between misapplication and misappropriation of funds.

a) The Public Financial Management Regulation makes the Principal Spending Officer (PSO) personally responsible for all payments of the covered entity. To mitigate possible risk exposure of the PSO during the payment process, the regulations provide guidance to assist approving authorities before signing off any payment.

In recent times, the Auditor-General has faulted PSOs for infractions such as misapplication of funds, misappropriation of funds, and partially accounted payments among others. Similar observations were cited in the 2023 Management Letter of Nipa Ye Municipal Assembly.

Required:

i) With reference to the PFM Regulation 2019, LI 2378, explain the provisions available to the PSO in the payment process before approval.

ii) Distinguish between misapplication of funds and misappropriation of funds as used by the Auditor-General with an example each.

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  • 3 Marks

PSA – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q4c – Events After the Reporting Date

Explanation of events occurring after the reporting date and their impact on financial statements.

Explain THREE limitations of ratio analysis

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  • 9 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q4b – Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability

Explanation of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability framework and its application.

Based on your results in (a), write a report to the newly appointed board analyzing and indicating whether their performance is better in comparison with the old board.

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  • 8 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q4a – Financial Ratio Analysis

Compute financial ratios for Ghana Wind Farms LTD to analyze performance trends.

Ghana Wind Farms LTD, a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), has appointed a new Board of Directors in January 2023. The new Board, after settling for a year, is interested in assessing their performance for the year 2023 against the performance of the previous Board in the year 2022 through ratio analysis. Below is the financial statement of Ghana Wind Farms LTD for the two years.

Ghana Wind Farms LTD

Statement of Profit or Loss for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

2023 (GH¢) 2022 (GH¢)
Revenue 9,860,000 6,218,000
Direct Cost (5,905,000) (5,822,000)
Gross Profit 3,955,000 396,000
Distribution Costs (297,000) (264,000)
Administrative Expenses (505,000) (455,000)
Other Income 236,000 13,000
Other Gains – 1,482,000
Operating Profit 3,389,000 1,172,000
Finance Cost (1,000,000) (334,000)
Profit Before Tax Expense 2,389,000 838,000
Tax Expense (500,000) (144,000)
Profit After Tax 1,889,000 694,000

Ghana Wind Farms LTD

Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2023

2023 (GH¢) 2022 (GH¢)
ASSETS
Non-Current Assets
Property, Plant & Equipment 17,000,000 15,000,000
Investment 5,000 2,000
Advances & Loans – 30,000
Total Non-Current Assets 17,005,000 15,032,000
Current Assets
Inventories 687,000 546,000
Trade and Other Receivables 2,829,000 1,978,000
Prepayments 87,000 42,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents 383,000 434,000
Total Current Assets 3,986,000 3,000,000
TOTAL ASSETS 20,991,000 18,032,000
EQUITY & LIABILITIES
Equity
Government Equity 8,000 8,000
Other Government Equity 613,000 306,000
Capital Surplus 8,471,000 7,599,000
Income Surplus (1,434,000) 478,000
Total Equity 7,970,000 8,697,000
Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred Credit 6,692,000 670,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities 2,498,000 2,572,000
Borrowings (Due After One Year) 1,297,000 950,000
Total Non-Current Liabilities 10,487,000 4,192,000
Current Liabilities
Bank Overdraft 166,000 180,000
Provision for Company Tax 109,000 109,000
Trade and Other Payables 1,820,000 4,516,000
Borrowings (Due Within One Year) 439,000 338,000
Total Current Liabilities 2,534,000 5,143,000
Total Liabilities 13,021,000 9,335,000
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 20,991,000 18,032,000

Required:

a) Compute the following ratios:

i) Current Ratio
ii) Quick Ratio
iii) Inventory Turnover (Days)
iv) Trade Receivable Collection Period (Days)
v) Trade Payables Period (Days)
vi) Working Capital Cycle
vii) Interest Cover Ratio
viii) Total Debt – Total Asset Ratio

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q3b – Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Assessment

Evaluate the financial performance of a local government based on PEFA assessment results and recommend strategies for improvement.

 Accounting and reporting constitute a key pillar of an organised and transparent public financial management system in the public sector. The effectiveness of accounting and reporting reflects the integrity of financial data, the accuracy of in-year budget reports, and the quality of annual financial statements. In a recent Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment, a local government had the following results:

  • Annual financial reporting: D
  • In-year budget report: D+
  • Financial data integrity: C

Required:
i) Explain the assessment performance to the Municipal Chief Executive of the local government.
ii) Recommend two strategies for improving the performance of the local government in each of the assessed areas.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q3a – Public Financial Management Cycle

Explaining objectives and improvements in public financial management systems.

As part of efforts to improve public financial management, the government has engaged experts to evaluate the entire public financial management cycle. The review report indicates that every component of the cycle is malfunctioning and emphasizes the need for a stronger commitment to building a robust system to achieve the desired outcomes.

Required:

i) Explain THREE key objectives of an orderly and open public financial management system.

ii) Recommend TWO ways of enhancing each stage of the public financial management cycle towards the attainment of desired outcomes.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q2b – Related Party Transactions and Disclosures

Explains related party transactions and their implications under IPSAS 20.

You are the Director of Finance at the Ghana Water Development Authority, an entity under the Ministry of Forestry and Water. The Authority has a five-member Board chaired by the daughter of the Sector Minister. The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority has just been appointed by Government for an initial term of four years.

The Chairperson of the board runs boutique services. The Authority buys a lot of presents from this boutique whenever they are confronted with the need to give out presents to any high-profile person. The Chairperson has made a request to the Authority to finance her boutique services with an amount of GH¢546,000 to enable her business to pay some urgent bills. No terms or conditions were provided in the request. Such an assistance from a financial institution would attract the current prevailing bank interest on loans at a rate of 35% per annum. Recently, another member of the Board contracted a loan from the Bank for her child’s university entrance fees at that rate.

Management of the Authority indicated that the amount was not significant to the Authority and has been approved by the Head of the entity and the Chief Director. The approved document has been handed over to you for payment. Considering the PFM Laws and IPSAS, you engaged the Chief Director about the request, but you were directed to go ahead and pay and use the appropriate accounting treatment in such circumstances. You accordingly raised the necessary documentation and effected the payment.

Required:

In relation to IPSAS 20: Related Party Disclosures:

i) Explain the implications of this transaction on the Authority and state how you would account for this transaction in the financial statements of the entity.

ii) State SIX situations where related party transactions may lead to disclosures by a reporting entity.

iii) Explain TWO reasons for disclosing related party transactions/relations.

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  • 7 Marks

PSAF – Nov 2024 – L2 – Q2a – Valuation of Legacy Fixed Assets

Valuation and accounting treatment of legacy fixed assets in compliance with IPSAS.

The Ministry of Indigenous Enterprises has been charged to collect legacy fixed assets data and value them in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The Fixed Assets Coordinating Unit (FACU) of the Ministry has collected for valuation the following data for your action:

The Ministry owns a four (4) storey Office Administration block. The average cost per floor is GH¢4,741,256.25. The building was constructed on a land size of 20 plots of land owned by the Ministry. Currently, a plot of land in that area costs GH¢2,500,000. The FACU has measured the sizes of the building as follows:

  • Length: 87.5 meters
  • Width: 42.65 meters
  • Reference Price per Square Meter: GH¢4,432

However, a professional body, the Institute of Architects and Engineers, has given the reference price for the cost of such an office building at an estimated price of GH¢87,965,025. The building has not seen any further facelift ever since. However, a fence wall with a gate to enforce security and secure the land has just been completed in the current year at a cost of GH¢8,970,000 with a lifespan of 50 years.

The year of construction of the office building could not be determined, yet an old watchman who had been there for ages remembers that the building was constructed some 42 years ago, a time when his seventh child was born. It is the decision of the Government of Ghana on the adoption of IPSAS not to take advantage of the three-year exemption period but to account for legacy fixed assets by taking 60% of the reference cost of the legacy assets as the deemed cost, with a reduced lifespan of 30 years.

Required:

i) Calculate the cost of the land and buildings with structures to be brought into the books on the adoption of IPSAS and determine the depreciation chargeable in the first year in respect of these assets.                                                                                              ii) Show the extract of Statement of Financial Position of the Ministry of Indigenous
Enterprises as at that date

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q6a – Fiscal Policy and Public Finance

Explanation of expenditure assignment principles and drawbacks in a multi-level government setting.

Expenditure assignment deals with the division or sharing of expenditure, regulatory, and tax functions or responsibilities among multi-levels of government in a federation.

Required:

Explain THREE principles guiding expenditure assignment and highlight TWO of its drawbacks.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q5b – Fiscal Policy and Public Finance

Analysis of debt burden through key ratios and explanation of sources for external debt

External debt does not constitute a burden when contracted loans are optimally deployed and the return on investment is sufficient to meet maturing obligations, as and when due, while servicing of the domestic economy is not undermined. The magnitude and severity of debt burden cannot be determined on the basis of debt volume only, rather, the debt volume should be viewed in combination with certain debt ratios for better appreciation of the debt problem.

Required:

Discuss THREE ratios commonly used to analyze the degree of indebtedness of a country and explain TWO sources of external debts.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q5a – Public Sector Financial Statements

Identification of inventory costs excluded under IPSAS 12 and disclosure requirements for financial statements.

IPSAS 12 on Inventories deals with the valuation and presentation of inventories in the financial statements in the context of the historical cost system, the most widely adopted basis on which financial statements are presented.

Required:

In accordance with IPSAS 12, identify FOUR costs that are excluded from the cost of inventories and FOUR requirements to be disclosed in the financial statements.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q4b – Public Sector Reforms

Feasibility analysis of primary health centre PPP project based on guiding principles and associated risks.

The Ministry of Health of Federal Republic of Wazobia is currently
considering public-private partnership as a means of improving health
facilities in some rural areas in the country. The Ministry intends to use
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to construct and manage modern primary
health centres in rural areas to increase access to quality health facilities.
The project would be fully financed by the private sector, but will be built
on land secured from the state governments. The private sector requires
government guarantee to borrow externally to execute the project.
Currently, health services are free, however, the new project, when executed through Public-Private Partnership would be on “user-pay” basis.
The government and the private contractors determine the average fees
payable per user and it will be subject to an upward review from time to
time. In order to stimulate private sector interest in the project, the Ministry
intends to protect the private sector against risks associated with the
project. Meanwhile, the Ministry would insist that local materials and skills
are employed in the construction and management of the primary health
centre projects. The project is also environmentally friendly as there will be
little or no destruction of the forest vegetation. The project when completed,
will be of great benefit to the country as a whole.

Required:
Based on guiding principles of Public-Private Partnership identify and
explain THREE principles and TWO associated risks of the feasibility of the
proposed primary health centre projects by the Ministry of Health.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q4a – The Budgeting Process in the Public Sector

Explanation of MTEF, Budget Call Circular, and their main differences for public sector budgeting.

As the Accountant in charge of the expenditure division, you are to assist the Director of Finance in the ministry to set up a budget committee. You have also been asked to review the recently issued 2020 Budget Call Circular.

Required:

Explain briefly the following:

  1. Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) including FOUR of its objectives (6 Marks)
  2. Budget Call Circular (2 Marks)
  3. The main difference between MTEF and Budget Call Circular (2 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q3b – Fiscal Policy and Public Finance

NPV-based investment recommendation for Omidan Local Government among three projects and a risk-free security alternative.

Omidan Local Government Council has N20,000,000 to invest, if there is an assurance that the investment will earn at least 12% p.a. In view of this, the following projects are being considered:

  • Project A will earn N21,800,000 at the end of year one with a residual value of N1,500,000;
  • Project B will earn N24,000,000 at the end of year two with a residual value of N500,000; and
  • Project C will earn N14,000,000 at the end of year one and another N10,000,000 at the end of year two with no residual value.

If none of the projects is undertaken, Omidan Local Government Council will invest the N20,000,000 in a risk-free security that will earn interest of 12% p.a.

Required:

Assess and advise Omidan Local Government Council on which of the projects to be undertaken using Net Present Value (NPV) method.

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q3a – Treasury Management in the Public Sector

Explain strategies to enhance cash management and factors affecting its effectiveness in public finance.

Cash management implemented by the Budget Office of the Federation (BoF) was to ensure that the right amount of money is made available to fund government expenditure in a timely manner as well as meeting its obligations as they fall due.

Required:
Explain FIVE strategies to enhance cash management control and FIVE factors militating against effective cash management. (10 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q2b – International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

Explain differences between accrual and cash accounting, justify IPSAS adoption, and describe commitment accounting benefits.

You have received an official memo from your Permanent Secretary, which reads:

Director of Account and Finance: Hope you are doing well. We have just closed from a workshop organised by the Ministry of Finance on public finance management not long ago, and the discussion was all about the adoption of IPSAS accrual accounting in the public sector. It was emphasised that migration from IPSAS Cash Basis to IPSAS Accrual Basis is necessary to improve financial reporting and transparency in the public sector. You know I have little knowledge in accounting, so I was completely lost in the discussions and I wished you had attended the workshop with me.

Another issue discussed was commitment accounting. We were made to understand that commitment accounting strengthens public finance management and therefore all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must ensure that every expenditure is committed in accordance with the appropriation prior to spending.

Please could you help me with some information on these issues?

Required:
Explain to the Permanent Secretary:
i. THREE differences between accrual accounting and cash accounting. (3 Marks)
ii. THREE justifications for adopting IPSAS accrual accounting in the public sector. (3 Marks)
iii. The term “commitment accounting” and illustrate THREE ways it could strengthen public financial management. (4 Marks)

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  • 10 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q2a – Fiscal Policy and Public Finance

Define debt sustainability analysis, outlining objectives and benefits.

Debt management is a key component of public finance management that enables the government to meet its financing needs at minimum costs and within acceptable levels of risk. One of the diagnostic tools that the government uses in managing its debt portfolio is to conduct an annual Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA).

Required:
Explain the term “Debt Sustainability Analysis,” identifying its THREE objectives and FIVE benefits.

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  • 40 Marks

PSAF – May 2021 – L2 – Q1 – Public Sector Financial Statements

Apply IPSAS standards to adjust and analyze financial information for Okuku State University.

Okuku State University is a parastatal under Okuku State, not classified as a Government Business Enterprise (GBE). The following is the statement of financial position for the University as of December 31, 2018:

Statement of Financial Position (as at Dec 31, 2018)

Item Cost (₦’million) Accumulated Depreciation (₦’million) Carrying Amount (₦’million)
Land and Buildings 15,000 250 14,750
Equipment 1,000 100 900
Furniture 800 80 720
Plant & Machinery 550 50 500
Motor Vehicles 450 45 405
Total Non-Current Assets 17,800 525 17,275
Inventories 11,000 – –
Receivables 15,000 – –
Bank 3,000 – –
Total Current Assets – – 29,000
Total Assets – – 46,275
Non-Current Liabilities – – 30,000
Current Liabilities – – 8,000
Total Liabilities – – 38,000
Net Assets – – 8,275
Reserves – – 8,275

Additional Information:

  1. Office equipment was purchased for ₦150,000,000 from Joko Nigeria Limited, with installation and transportation costing ₦3,000,000. Half was paid during the year, with the remainder in January 2019. The University also acquired a building valued at ₦500,000,000 from a defunct State College.
  2. The University Teaching Hospital received motor vehicles and laboratory equipment donations worth ₦20,000,000 and ₦50,000,000, respectively, from a UK-based research institute.
  3. A motor vehicle bought on January 1, 2017, for ₦8,000,000 with a five-year life was sold for ₦4,000,000 at year-end.
  4. Computers bought in 2017 for ₦1,000,000, with an expected five-year lifespan, were damaged in a fire and written off.
  5. Land was bought for ₦50,000,000 for constructing a plaza valued at ₦250,000,000, with an estimated 25-year life.
  6. One building, valued at ₦160,000,000, was damaged by fire, with a post-fire valuation of ₦130,000,000.
  7. A motor vehicle was acquired on January 1, 2018, for ₦150,000,000.
  8. The University’s depreciation policy includes full-year depreciation with rates: Motor Vehicle 20%, Building 4%, Furniture 10%, Equipment (including Lab and Computers) 20%, and Plant and Machinery 15%.

Required:
a. Identify FOUR characteristics of Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) as
stated in IPSAS 1 on presentation of financial statements. (2 Marks)
b. Prepare the necessary journal entries to record the above transactions for
the year ended December 31, 2018. (10 Marks)
c. Prepare the adjusted statement of financial position as at December 31,
2018. (20 Marks)
d. Identify and explain FOUR qualitative characteristics of financial reporting as
required by appendix 2 of IPSAS 1 on presentation of financial statements.
(8 Marks)

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