Manual of Accounting Principles New
Manual of Accounting Principles New
Manual of Accounting Principles New
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.3 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the Office of the Controller General of
Accounts 4.5
4.3.1 Responsibilities 4.5
4.3.2 Accountability 4.6
4.5 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance - Finance Division
(Federal) / Department (Provincial) 4.8
4.5.1 Responsibilities 4.8
4.5.2 Accountability 4.8
4.6 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the Central Board of Revenue 4.9
4.6.1 Responsibilities 4.9
4.6.2 Accountability 4.9
4.6.3 Explanatory Note 4.9
4.7 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the State Bank of Pakistan and its agent/s
4.10
4.7.1 Responsibilities 4.10
4.7.2 Explanatory note 4.10
5.4 Financial and accounting responsibilities of Finance and Accounts Officers 5.5
5.4.1 Position 5.5
5.4.2 Definition 5.5
5.4.3 Responsibilities 5.5
5.4.4 Accountability 5.5
1 Overview - purpose
and scope of the
Manual
1.1.1.2 This manual will cover the Principles, Policies and Procedures in relation to
Centralised Accounting Entities and will only lay down the Principles for Self
Accounting Entities because the Policies and Procedures for Self Accounting
Entities are covered by their individual rules and regulations.
1.1.1.3 This Manual defines the framework within which accounting transactions are to
be treated and recorded, and accounting and financial responsibilities are to be
assigned.
1.1.1.4 Detailed accounting policies and procedures are contained in the Accounting
Policies and Procedures Manual. Reference should be made to the Accounting
Policies and Procedures Manual, Financial Reporting Manual, Chart of
Accounts, Manual of External Reporting Requirements in determining the rules
and procedures for the treatment and recording of specific transactions.
1.2.1.2 The first part of this Manual, comprising section 1, provides an overview of the
purpose and scope of this Manual.
1.2.1.3 The second part of this Manual, comprising sections 2 and 3, sets out the
accounting principles to be used by centralised accounting and self accounting
entities and upon which the detailed policies and procedures contained in the
Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual are based.
1.2.1.4 The third part of this Manual, comprising sections 4 and 5, outlines the financial
and accounting responsibilities of specified organisations and financial officers
1.2.2.1 The organisation of the sections, headings and sub headings is shown in the
Table of Contents at the front of this Manual.
1.2.2.2 The layout of each page within this Manual is standardised. The title of the
Manual and the name of the chapter are displayed in the top left and right
corners of each page respectively. The footer for each page contains the issue
date, page number and file reference.
1.2.2.3 Each section of this Manual has the principles appearing at the front of the
section. Any detailed or additional explanation and guidance is contained in the
“Explanatory notes” subsection. Principles should not be interpreted without
first making reference to the explanatory notes.
1.3.1 Authority
1.3.1.1 This Manual is issued to set out the accounting principles in accordance with
which the accounts of the federation and the provinces shall be kept, in
pursuance of article, 170 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
1.3.2.1 The effective date for application of this Manual is the date of issue of the
Manual by the Auditor-General.
1.3.2.2 All accounting entities will have up to two financial years (commencing from 1
July subsequent to the effective date of release) to be in full compliance with this
Manual.
1.3.3 Coverage
Accounting entity
1.3.3.1 An accounting entity is any unit of Government (eg. ministry, division, and
department), whose principal source of funding is an appropriation from the
Federal and Provincial Governments, which prepares input to the accounting
system and which is not defined in Schedule 2 of this Manual.
1.3.3.2 There are two types of accounting entities, namely centralised accounting
entities and self accounting entities.
1.3.3.3 A centralised accounting entity is any accounting entity for whom the
Accountant-Generaloffice of the Controller General of Accounts has primary
responsibility for the accounting and reporting function of that entity.
1.3.3.4 Unless specifically stated otherwise the term accounting entity will include all
centralised accounting entities.
1.3.3.5 A self accounting entity is any accounting entity for whom the Principal
Accounting Officer has primary responsibility for the accounting and reporting
functions. A list of these entities is contained in Schedule 1 of this Manual.
1.3.3.6 Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term accounting entity will include all
self accounting entities.
Exempt entities
1.3.4 Compliance
1.3.4.1 Compliance with the Manual is mandatory for all accounting entities.
1.3.4.2 In the event that a guideline in this Manual conflicts with other Manuals,
directives or practices, other than those amending this Manual, the guidance in
this Manual will prevail.
1.3.4.5 The guidance contained in sections 6 and 74 and 5 are in addition to, and in no
way negate or replace those responsibilities and accountabilities contained in the
Delegation of Financial Power under the Financial Rules, the Authorities
Manual, the Rules of Business and any other directives issued by a competent
authority.
1.3.5.4 For all accounting entities, the Principal Accounting Officer will ensure that:
initial copies of the Manual are distributed to all finance and accounts
officers within the accounting entity
all subsequent updates and amendments of the Manual are distributed to
all finance and accounts officers within the accounting entity
1.3.6.1 Compliance with the directives and principles contained in this Manual are
mandatory as the principles and directives contained in this Manual have been
issued under the the Pakistan (Audit and Accounts) Order 1973Ordinance 2001.
The powers and functions of Auditor General of Pakistan are contained in
Auditor General’s (Functions, Powers and Terms and Conditions of Service)
Ordinance 2001, while the powers and functions of Controller General of
Accounts are contained in Controller General of Accounts (Appointment,
Functions and Powers) Ordinance 2001.
1.3.6.2 The Ordinance 2001 for the Controller General of Accounts provides that the
Controller General of Accounts will prepare and maintain the accounts of the
Federation, the Provinces and district governments in such forms and in
accordance with such methods and principles as the Auditor-General may, with
the approval of the President, prescribe from time to time. The Pakistan (Audit
and Accounts) Order 1973, provides that the Auditor-General will be
responsible for keeping the accounts of the Federation and of each Province,
other than certain specified entitiesThe Ordinance 2001 for the Auditor General
of Pakistan provides that the Auditor General will certify accounts of
Federation, of each Province and of each district. The two Order Ordinances
areis issued subsequent to Article 170 of the Constitution of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan which states that “the accounts of the Federation and of
the Provinces shall be kept in such form and in accordance with such principles
and methods as the Auditor-General may, with the approval of the President
prescribe”.
Note: The Pakistan Audit and Accounts Order 1973 will be substituted by “ Pakistan Audit and
Accounts Act” when passed by the Parliament.
2 Accounting concepts
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.1.1 The purpose of this section is to define and detail the principles upon which the
Consolidated Fund and Public Account are established and operate.
2.1.2.1 Each Provincial Government and the Federal Government will maintain a
Consolidated Fund and a Public Account.
2.1.2.2 Each Local Government shall have a Fund and a Public Account as defined in
the Local Government Ordinance 2001 (Chapter XII LGO 2001).
Definition
2.1.3.1 All moneys received, all loans raised and all moneys received in repayment of
any loan by the Government, will form the Consolidated Fund of the
Government.
2.1.3.2 No expenditures will be met from the Consolidated Fund unless specified in a
duly approved “Schedule of Authorised Expenditure”.
Definition
2.1.4.2 All receipts and withdrawals from the Public Account will be regulated by Act
of Parliament or in the absence of such an Act, shall be determined by rules
made by the President / Governor.
Constitutional requirements
2.1.5.1 Articles 78 and 118 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
provide that each Provincial Government and the Federal Government will
maintain a Consolidated Fund and Public Account. The Local Government
Ordinance 2001 provides that each Local Government will maintain a Fund and
Public Account.
2.1.5.3 Articles 83 and 123 determine that no expenditure may be incurred upon the
Consolidated Fund unless it has been duly authenticated. Expenditure is deemed
to be duly authenticated if, and only if:
it has been specified in the “Schedule of Authorised Expenditure” (the
Schedule being the grants made or deemed to have been made by the
National / Provincial Assembly, in accordance with Articles 82 and 122)
the Schedule has been signed by the Prime Minister / Chief Minister
the Schedule has been laid before the National / Provincial Assembly.
2.1.5.4 The “Schedule of Authorised Expenditure” is valid for that financial year only
(Article 80 and 120).
2.1.5.5 Articles 79 and 119 state that all receipts into and withdrawals from the Public
Account require an Act of Parliament or in the absence of such an Act, rules
made by the President / Governor.
2.1.5.6 The Consolidated Fund is the operating account of the Government, the balance
of which is available for appropriation against the general operations of
Government.
2.1.5.7 The Public Account consists of those specific purpose moneys for which the
Government has a statutory or other obligation to account for, but which are
not available for appropriation against the general operations of Government.
The Public Account will therefore consist of a series of accounts, each of which
will have specific rules governing its operation.
2.1.5.9 The Constitution also requires that the Schedule of Authorised Expenditure
lapse with the passing of each financial year.
2.1.5.11 While the Constitution does not preclude the bringing to account of
accruals or commitments, it does prevent the accruals or commitments from
being paid against a prior year’s Schedule of Authorised Expenditure. For this
reason, entities with accruals or commitments from a previous period should
ensure that they have allowed for the payment of these accruals and
commitments against that year’s Schedule of Authorised Payments.
2.2.1 Introduction
2.2.1.1 The purpose of this section is to outline the accounting model for the
application of the accounting policies contained in section.
2.2.3 Revenues
2.2.3.1 All revenue will be accounted for on an as received basis, in accordance with the
definitions laid down in section 3.3.5 of this Manual and the directives contained
in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
Example
2.2.3.2 A tax assessment is issued on 2 August and the payee makes payment on 1
September. In this example the revenue would be recognised not upon the issue
of the assessment on 2 August but upon the receipt of the cash from the payee
on 1 September.
Expenses
2.2.4.1 All expenses will be accounted for on a cash basis or on a committed basis in
accordance with the definitions laid down in 3.3.6 of this Manual and the
directives contained in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
Commitments
2.2.4.2 Commitments will be recognised when and only when there is a properly
authorised obligation to make a payment against the Schedule of Authorised
Expenditure, for which the amount of the transaction is known and the supplier
has been nominated, not when the cash is paid.
2.2.4.3 Commitments should not be entered into where the total value of the
commitment will result in total expenditure in excess of the Schedule of
Authorised Expenditure.
2.2.4.4 Commitments will be reversed when and only when any of the following
conditions are met:
the cash payment is made
the authorisation to make the payment lapses ie. end of financial year
the obligation to make a future payment ceases to exist
2.2.4.5 All commitments will lapse in accord with the Schedule of Authorised
Expenditure to which they relate ie. at the end of the financial year.
Commitments lapsing at year end and validated for the next financial year should
be reinstated with the commencement of the following year’s Schedule of
Authorised Expenditure.
2.2.4.6 Commitments will only be recognised when the value of the commitment
exceeds the threshold criteria set down in the Accounting Policies and
Procedures Manual.
Example
2.2.5 Assets
2.2.5.1 All assets will be accounted for on a modified cash basis in accordance with the
definition laid down in section 3.3.2 of this Manual, and the directives contained
in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual
Example
2.2.5.2 There is a three year development plan to construct a new building, with Rs 1
million worth of expenditure being incurred each financial year. In this example
the Rs 1 million would be recognised in accordance with the principles on
expenses eg. Rs 1 million in 19X120X1, Rs 1 million in 19X2 20X2 and Rs 1
million in 19X320X3. However, upon completion of the building, the building
would be recorded in the asset register of the entity responsible for the asset at
the constructed cost of Rs 3 million. Certain entities may choose to record the
expenditure against a work-in-progress memorandum ledger.
2.2.6 Liabilities
2.2.6.1 All liabilities, other than commitments (which will be accounted for on a
modified cash basis), will be accounted for on a cash basis, in accordance with
the definitions laid down in section 3.3.3 of this Manual and the directives
contained in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
Example
2.2.6.2 An entity enters into a three year lease with payments of Rs 10,000 each
financial year. In this example the payments of Rs 10,000 against the current
Schedule of Authorised Expenditure would be recognised as a commitment
upon receipt of the invoice and an expense upon making the payment. The
payment against future Schedule of Authorised Expenditure (ie the balance of
Rs 20,000) will be recognised as Deferred Liabilities.
2.2.7 Equity
2.2.7.1 Unless otherwise specified, the Government of Pakistan is the sole holder of the
residual value of all accounting entities.
2.2.7.2 Equity will be accounted for in accordance with the definitions and directives
laid down in section 3.3.4
Example
2.2.7.3 A self accounting entity is to be wound up. All assets are to be sold or
transferred and any commitments are to be paid. In this example, any residual
from the sale of assets less commitments would be payable to the Government
of Pakistan ie. the Consolidated Fund.
2.2.8.1 All accounts will be maintained on a double entry basis in accordance with the
definition laid down in section 3.3.7.198 and the Accounting Policies and
Procedures Manual.
2.2.9.1 All transactions will be classified in accordance with the Chart of Accounts as
outlined in Chart of Accounts.
2.2.10.1 The modified basis of accounting, records transactions on a cash basis but
also takes into account the commitments, acquisition of fixed assets, and
incurrence of liabilities during an accounting period.
Accounting elements
2.2.10.8 The Government of Pakistan has two distinct roles within the modified
cash model. The first is as the owner of all accounting entities (section 3.3.4
Equity). The second role is as the funder of services. This distinction is
important in determining the entity / Government relationship.
2.2.10.9 As the owner of the equity the Government of Pakistan holds title to the
residual value of the accounting entity should the entity cease to operate. In
addition, it also has some say on the structure and operation of the entity.
2.2.10.11 The primary basis for transaction accounting and reporting is cash based.
It is not of itself sufficient to ensure due and proper control over expenditure,
particularly in terms of ensuring the matching of expenditure on significant items
against appropriations. For this reason the cash basis of accounting has been
modified to account for certain expenditure on a commitments basis.
2.2.10.17 The base for transaction recognition and reporting is modified cash this
necessitates that certain assets and liabilities be recorded and reported.
2.2.10.18 The primary responsibility for maintaining the necessary records, such as
asset registers and schedules of liabilities, rests with the entity charged with the
responsibility for the day to day management of the asset or liability. As part of
that responsibility the entity has an obligation to maintain appropriate records
and provide the proper information to enable the reporting on the management
of those assets or liabilities to other users eg. the Government of Pakistan.
Appropriations as revenue
2.2.10.21 Taxes, fees and fines collected on behalf of the Government will not form
revenues of the collecting agency (section 3.3.7.7), unless otherwise specified by
the Government.
2.2.10.22 Taxes, fees and fines collected on behalf of the Government are to be paid
into the Consolidated Fund.
2.2.10.23 The netting off of expenditures and revenues is not permitted. All
revenues and all expenditures will be shown on a gross basis.
Explanatory Note
2.2.10.24 Any receipts received by the Government Office are not revenues on part
of the collecting entity and will not be retained to meet departmental or other
types of expenditure, unless otherwise permitted by the Government.
2.2.10.25 Not withstanding the above, a refund received by the Government for
goods or services purchased represents a reduction in the original expenditure
incurred by the Government. Refunds received must not be considered as
revenue.
2.3.1 Introduction
2.3.1.1 The purpose of this section is to provide general principles regarding internal
control as they relate to the accounting procedures of all accounting entities.
2.3.2 Definition
2.3.2.1 The term internal control system refers to the policies and procedures adopted
by the entity to assist in achieving, as far as practicable, the financial
management and accountability objectives of the Government.
2.3.2.2 The Principal Accounting Officer in conjunction with the Internal Audit Officer
will be responsible for ensuring that a proper system of internal control exists
within the entity. This includes ensuring:
the orderly and proper conduct of its function
adherence to accounting policies and procedures
stewardship of assets
prevention and detection of fraud and error
accuracy and completeness of accounting records
timely and proper preparation of accounting information.
2.3.3.1 The following objectives are essential in the establishment of proper internal
control:
all transactions are executed in accordance with the rules and regulations
issued by the Government
all transactions and other events are promptly recorded in the correct
amount, in the appropriate accounts and in the proper accounting period
so as to permit preparation of accounting information in accordance with
the accounting policies and procedure
recorded assets are compared with the existing assets at reasonable
intervals and appropriate action is taken regarding any differences
2.4 Budgeting
2.4.1 Introduction
2.4.1.1 The purpose of this section is to set out the principles for the authorisation of
the annual budget of the Government of Pakistan.
2.4.1.2 For detail budgeting process and procedures refer to chapter 3 – Budgetary
Control of the APPM.
2.4.2 Budgeting
Submission of estimates
2.4.2.1 Accounting entities will prepare and submit budget estimates in accordance with
the procedures set out in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual and
Government Finance Regulations as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.
2.4.2.2 The Government will, for each financial year, prepare a statement of the
estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government.
2.4.2.4 The annual budget statement shall distinguish expenditure on revenue account
from other expenditure.
The Budget
2.4.3.1 The budget is the principal document by which the Government sets out its
financial plan for the following financial year, namely how much the plan will
cost (i.e. expenditure) and how much and in what way, money will be raised to
finance the expenditure (i.e. revenue).
Finance Act - the legal instrument through which the budget becomes an
act of law. The Finance Act also makes the necessary amendments to
existing legislation required by the budget eg. amendments to tax rates,
introduction of new taxes etc.
3 Accounting Policies
3.1.1 Introduction
Definition
3.1.2.1 “Accounting period” will be the financial year commencing 1 July and ending 30
June, and will consist of twelve monthly periods.
3.1.3.1 Article 260 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan defines the
financial year as being “a year commencing on the first of July”. This definition
has been adopted for the purposes of this Manual and the Accounting Policies
and Procedures Manual.
3.2.1 Introduction
3.2.1.1 The purpose of this section is to define the accounting records and determine
the rules for the keeping and maintenance of those records.
3.2.2 Definition
3.2.2.1 “Accounting records” are any book of account upon which transactions are
recorded or any other document issued or used in the preparation and
processing of the transactions of accounting entities.
3.2.2.2 “Books of account” are any account, deed or any other document or record
however compiled, recorded or stored whether in written form, printed form,
microfilm, or electronic form.
3.2.3.1 In the preparation and processing of transactions and in all accounting and
related entries, pencil will not to be used. All entries will be inked.
3.2.4.1 Erasures (including the use of correction fluids or chemicals) are not permitted
in any books of account.
3.2.4.2 Correction of errors will be made by reversing the original entries in full and
posting the correct entries, a cross reference between the original entries and the
correcting entries will be included. Where the correction is made in a manual
system the officer making the correcting entry should initial and date the cross
reference.
3.2.5.1 Books of account will use pre-numbered pages and primary books of accounts
eg. cash books and ledgers, are to be bound.
3.2.5.2 Under no circumstances are pages to be removed from any primary book of
account.
3.2.5.3 All electronic records will be backed up on a regular basis (preferably daily and
at least weekly).
3.2.5.5 Periodic backups (monthly) will be made and stored at a secure off-site location.
3.2.6.1 All accounting records will be retained either in their original form or suitable
substitute for a period of ten years from the date of certification of the latest
entry by audit or review by the PAC (whichever is latest). Some records may be
destroyed after a period of ten years.
3.3.1 Introduction
3.3.1.1 The purpose of this section is to establish definitions of the elements for the
classification of transactions (namely assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and
expenses).
3.3.1.2 The Federal and Provincial Government operate on a modified cash basis of
accounting. The “definition” and “recognition criteria” for the accounting
elements listed in this section are based upon a full accruals concept. For this
reason the “Application” paragraph for each element provides guidance on the
interpretation of the definitions in a modified cash model.
3.3.2 Assets
Definition
3.3.2.1 “Assets” are future economic benefits controlled by the entity as a result of past
transactions or other past events.
Recognition criteria
Application
3.3.2.3 All assets will be expensed, that is charged against the current years’
appropriation, at the time of purchase
3.3.3 Liabilities
Definition
3.3.3.1 “Liabilities” are future sacrifices of economic benefits that the entity is presently
obliged to make as a result of past transactions or other past events.
Recognition criteria
Application
Current liabilities are the obligations payable at the demand of the creditor
and those part of other obligation whose liquidation is expected within
one year of the reporting date
Long term liabilities are the obligation which are expected to be liquidated
after a period of one year of the reporting date
3.3.4 Equity
Definition
3.3.4.1 “Equity” is the residual interest in the assets of the entity after deduction of its
liabilities.
Application
3.3.4.2 Equity will be recognised in accounting records as per codes stated in the Chart
of Accounts Manual and procedures laid down in the APPM.
3.3.4.3 All transfers of equity will be accounted for on a cash basis and will be treated
as revenues to the receiving entity and as expenses to the contributing entity.
3.3.5 Revenues
Definition
Recognition criteria
Application
3.3.5.3 Revenues will be recognised on a cash basis (ie. as and when the entity gains
control over the cash). In addition to this where the future revenue of a
Government can be estimated, this information will be disclosed in the accounts
by the way of a note.
3.3.6 Expenses
Definition
3.3.6.1 “Expenses” are decreases in future economic benefits in the form of reductions
in assets or increases in liabilities of the entity that, other than those relating to
distributions by Government as owners, result in a decrease in equity.
Recognition criteria
Application
3.3.6.3 Expenses will be recognised on a cash or as committed basis, with the expense
or commitment being made against the appropriation given for that expenditure.
3.3.7.1 The purpose of the accounting model is to portray the financial effects of
transactions. In order to do this it is necessary to group the transactions into
broad classes according to their economic characteristics. These broad classes
are to be referred to as the accounting elements, namely assets, liabilities, equity,
revenue and expenditure.
3.3.7.2 Details regarding the classification of the accounting elements are contained in
chapter 4 Chart of Accounts.
3.3.7.3 The term financial assets and liabilities refers to those assets and liabilities
consisting of cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are items readily
converted into cash e.g. bearer bonds.
Economic benefits
3.3.7.5 The term economic benefits refer to the potential to increase or decrease the
flow of cash or cash equivalents of the entity. However, a modified cash basis
of accounting precludes the accounting for “potential” flows, other than
commitments, and instead requires the actual cash to be accounted for.
3.3.7.6 The term “control over the future economic benefits” is defined as the capacity
of the entity to enjoy the benefits and deny or regulate the access of others to
the benefits.
3.3.7.7 Where an entity acts as an agent the revenues or expenses should not be
recorded in the primary books of account other than as a matter of stewardship.
For example, an entity collecting taxes will not normally control the future
economic benefits embodied in the tax collections and as such would not
recognise the taxes as revenues of the entity. The entity may however recognise
“taxes collected on behalf of the Government” as subsidiary information on the
overall performance of the entity.
3.3.7.8 The term “present obligations” is defined as a duty or responsibility of the entity
to act or perform in a certain way. An obligation implies the involvement of
two separate parties, namely the entity and a party external to the entity.
3.3.7.9 The term “occurrence of past transaction or other past event” refers to the
requirement that, in order for an accounting element to be recognised in the
books of account, it must have been the result of a transaction or other past
event giving the entity control over the future economic benefits or giving rise
to a present obligation upon the future economic benefits.
3.3.7.10 Receipts and Expenditure which occurs in the current year, relating to
previous years due to error or omission are referred to as Previous Year
adjustments.
3.3.7.11 Previous year adjustments will need to be made against the Schedule of
Authorised Expenditure in the current year with the permission of the Auditor-
General routed through the administrative/department and will be shown by way
of note accompanying the Financial Reports.
3.3.7.12 Prior year adjustments that relate to misclassification without any impact
on the cash balance of either the Consolidated Fund or Public Account and with
the permission of the Auditor-General/Controller General of Accounts routed
through the administrative ministry/department will be shown by way of note
accompanying the Financial Reports.
Probability
3.3.7.14 The term probable means that the chance of the future economic benefits
or sacrifice of economic benefits arising is more likely rather than less likely.
Reliable measurement
3.3.7.15 For an accounting element to meet the recognition criteria it must possess
a cost or other value that can be measured in a manner that accurately and
faithfully represents the transactions that have occurred.
3.3.7.17 Distributions to owners are made at the discretion of the ownership group
or its representatives after satisfying restrictions imposed by legislation or by
agreements with other entities. Generally, an entity is not obliged to transfer
assets to owners except in the event of the entity being wound up (paragraphs
2.12.10.8 to 2.12.10.10 Government as owner and funder of services).
3.3.7.20 The accounting principles set out in this Manual are generally consistent
with those set out in the “Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of
Financial Statements” issued by the International Accounting Standards
Committee, in so far as that framework addresses the definition and recognition
of accounting elements.
3.4 Banking
3.4.1 Introduction
3.4.1.1 The purpose of this section is to set out the principles for banking by accounting
entities.
3.4.2 Banking
3.4.2.1 Government will only bank with the State Bank of Pakistan or its authorised
agent/s under the authorised agreement.
3.4.2.2 Government will not open or operate bank accounts outside of those authorised
by the Ministry of Finance.
3.4.2.3 All banking transactions will be conducted in accordance with the principles laid
down in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual and / or the Federal /
Provincial Treasury Rules as issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Controller
General of Accounts or the Auditor-General.
3.4.2.4 All payments will be made by cheque, transfer or direct debit unless otherwise
authorised by the Ministry of Finance or the Controller General of Accounts. or
the Auditor-General.
3.4.2.5 Only official Government issued cheques will be used when making payments by
cheque unless otherwise specifically authorised by Government
3.4.2.6 All cheques and direct debits will be authorised in accordance with the policies
and procedures set out in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual and /
or the Federal / Provincial Treasury Rules as issued by the Ministry/Department
of Finance.
3.4.2.7 All cash receipts will be deposited in branches of the State Bank of Pakistan or
the National Bank of Pakistan or their specifically authorised agents.
3.4.2.8 Cash receipts will be deposited on the day of the receipt, unless otherwise
authorised by the Ministry of Finance.
3.4.2.9 Government department should keep the cash transactions to the minimum
level.
3.4.2.10 All cash receipts will be retained in a secure location until such time as the
monies are deposited.
3.4.2.11 All deposits will be accounted for in accordance with the policies and
procedures set out in the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
3.4.2.12 At the close of each month, the entity will reconcile its books of accounts
with the bank records. This reconciliation is to be performed in accordance with
the policies and procedures set out in the Accounting Policies Procedure
Manual, GFR and Federal / Provincial Treasury Rules.
3.5 Reporting
3.5.1 Introduction
3.5.1.1 The purpose of this section is to set out the principles for reporting by
accounting entities.
3.5.1.2 The timing and format of various periodic reports are set out in the Financial
Reporting Manual.
3.5.2 Reporting
3.5.2.1 Financial reports will be prepared in the format and manner prescribed in the
Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
3.5.3.2 Financial reports serve two broad purposes the first is to assist users in the
allocation of resources. The second purpose is to provide a mechanism to
enable an entity and the Government, as the owner of that entity, to discharge
their joint accountabilities.
3.5.3.3 Given the purpose of financial reports, it therefore follows that there are three
broad groups of users of financial reports:
the Federal, and Provincial and Local/District Governments, and the
Provincial Governments as providers of resources
the public as the recipient of goods and services
the Public Accounts Committee, the Federal, and Provincial and
Local/District Governments and the public, as parties performing a
review or oversight function
3.5.3.4 The objective of financial reports is to meet the needs of the users of those
financial reports, namely:
to provide information about the financial position, performance and
changes in financial position of the reporting entity
to discharge the accountability of the entity for stewardship of the
resources entrusted to them
3.5.3.6 There are five qualitative characteristics to be considered in the collection and
reporting of financial information to be provided to users, these are:
understandability - the information must be readily understood by users
with a reasonable knowledge of the activities of the entity, its economic
environment and accounting framework
relevance - to be useful, information must be relevant to the decision
making needs of the users. It should help users in making predictions
about the outcomes of past, present or future events and / or confirm or
correct past evaluations. The information should also assist users to
assess the rendering of accountability of the entity
reliability - users must be capable of depending on the information
contained in the financial reports to represent faithfully and without bias
or undue error, the transactions or events that either it purports to
represent or could reasonably be expected to represent. It should be
noted that the Federal and Provincial Government does not comply with
GAAP in that legal form takes precedence over economic substance
comparability - users must be able to discern and evaluate similarities in,
and differences between, the nature and effects of transactions and
events, at one time and over time
materiality - all financial information should be assessed as to whether its
omission or misstatement could influence the economic decisions of users
taken on the basis of the financial statements
3.5.3.7 Financial information which is relevant and reliable may lose its relevance if
there is undue delay in the reporting of the information. Thus, the time available
to gather and report financial information is a major constraint. In balancing the
two the overriding consideration is how best to meet the needs of users.
3.5.3.8 The Manual of Accounting Principles sets out the broad principles and
objectives to be followed in the preparation of financial reports. The
3.6.1 Introduction
3.6.1.1 The purpose of this section is to set out the principles for accounting for inter
entity transactions by accounting entities.
Definition
3.6.2.2 Inter entity transaction of all those entities maintaining the same bank account
should be made through book adjustment and those entities having different
bank account should be made through cheques.
Accounting treatment
3.6.2.3 Inter entity transactions will be recognised in the accounts of the receiving entity
only and will not form revenues or expenses of the incurring entity.
3.6.2.4 All inter entity transactions are to be accounted for in accordance with the
policies and procedures contained in the Accounting Policies and Procedures
Manual.
4 Organisation of
financial and
accounting
responsibilities
4.1.1 Responsibilities
4.1.1.1 The responsibilities referred to below incorporate both the Public Accounts
Committee and the Provincial Public Accounts Committee.
4.1.1.2 The Public Accounts Committee is responsible for examination and reporting as
detailed in the consolidated financial statements prepared by the Auditor-
GeneralController General of Accounts.
4.1.1.3 The responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee are governed by the
Rules and Procedures of the National or Provincial Assembly.
4.1.1.4 The Public Accounts Committees are required to submit their findings and
recommendations to Parliament and to the Principal Accounting Officer of the
concerned entity for actioning.
4.1.2 Constitution
4.1.2.1 The Public Accounts Committee is constituted from the members of the
National or Provincial Assembly.
4.1.3 Accountability
4.1.3.1 The Public Accounts Committee reports to Parliament, however, there are no
legislative powers covering the accountability of the Public Accounts
Committee to Parliament.
4.2.1 Responsibilities
4.2.1.4 Auditor General to give information and undertake studies, etc.- The
Auditor-General shall, in so far as the accounts enable him so to do, give to the
4.2.1.5 Functions of the Auditor General in the case of grants or loans given to
other authorities or bodies – (1) Where any grant or loan is given for any
specific purpose from the Consolidated Fund of Federal Government or of any
Province or of any district to any authority or body, not being a foreign State or
international organisation, the Auditor General may scrutinize the accounts by
which the sanctioning authority satisfies itself as to the fulfilment of the
conditions subject to which such grants or loans were given and for this purpose
have the right of access, after giving reasonable previous notice, to the books
and accounts of that authority or body; Provided that the President, the
Governor of a Province or the authority of a district, as the case may be, is of
the opinion that it is not necessary to do so in the public interest.
4.2.1.6 (2) While exercising the powers conferred on him by sub-section (1), the
Auditor-General shall not have right of access to the books and accounts of any
authority or body if the law, by or under which such authority or body has been
established, provides for the audit or the accounts of such authority or body by
an agency other than the Auditor-General.
4.2.1.8 Audit on accounts of stores and stock – The Auditor General shall have
authority to audit and report on the accounts of stores and stock kept in any
office or department of the Federation or of a Province or of a district.
4.2.1.10 certify the accounts of the entities other than those specified in Schedule 2
of this Manual
4.2.1.13 submission of the annual accounts of the Federation and each Province to
the President or the Governor as the case may be
4.2.1.15 keeping the accounts of the entities other than those specified in Schedule
2 of this Manual
4.2.1.16 supplying the financial information as and when required to the Federal
and Provincial Governments or their representatives
Constitutional requirements
4.2.2.2 The Auditor-General will, in relation to the accounts of the Federation and of
the Provinces and the accounts of any authority or body established by the
Federation or a Province, perform such functions and exercise such powers as
may be determined by or under Act of Parliament and, until so determined, by
Order of the President
4.2.2.3 The accounts of the Federation and of the Provinces shall be kept in such form
and in accordance with such principles and methods as the Auditor-General
may, with the approval of the President, prescribe.
4.2.2.4 The report of the Auditor-General in relation to the accounts of the Federation
and Provinces shall be submitted to the President or Governor as the case may
be.
4.2.3 Accountability
4.3 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the Office of the Controller General
of Accounts
4.3.1 Responsibilities
4.3.1.1 Functions of the Controller General – The functions of the Controller General
shall be –
5 (a) to prepare and maintain the accounts of the Federation, the Provinces
and district governments in such forms and in accordance with such
methods and principles as the Auditor General may, with the approval of the
President, prescribe from time to time;
6 (b) to authorise payments and withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund and
Public Accounts of the Federal and Provincial Governments against
approved budgetary provisions after pre-audited checks as the Auditor
General may, from time to time, prescribe;
8 (d) to lay down the principles governing the internal financial control for
Government departments in consultation with the Ministry of Finance the
and Provincial Finance departments as the case may be;
12 (h) develop and maintain an efficient system of pension, provident funds and
other retirement benefits in consultation with the concerned Government;
14 (j) to prescribe syllabus, standards and provide facilities for the training of
officers and staff under his administrative control.
15 (a) prepare each year the appropriation and finance accounts and such other
accounts as may be prescribed by rules for submission to the Auditor
General on such dates as may be specified by him;
16 (b) prepare and submit to the Auditor General for each financial year a
Consolidated and General Financial Statement incorporating the summary
of the accounts of the Federation, all provinces and district authorities. The
Auditor General, after authentication, shall forward the same to the Federal
Government, Provincial Governments and district authorities;
17.1.1 Accountability
17.2.1 Responsibilities
17.2.2 Accountability
17.3.1 Responsibilities
17.3.2 Accountability
17.4.1 Responsibilities
17.4.2 Accountability
17.5 Financial and accounting responsibilities of the State Bank of Pakistan and its
agent/s
17.5.1 Responsibilities
17.5.1.1 The State Bank of Pakistan and its agent, National Bank of Pakistan are
the Government’s Banker.
17.5.1.2 The responsibilities of the State Bank of Pakistan and its agent, the
National Bank of Pakistan in respect of government accounting include:
making collections on Government account
making disbursements on approved claims
maintenance of records of all transactions described above
preparation and submission of statements of transactions(in such form as
may be specified)
managing the Government’s cash balances in accordance with the
Government’s specific instructions
periodic reconciliations of transactions with Accountants General’s
Office and Accountant General Pakistan Revenues
periodic reporting to Accountants General’s Office, Accountant General
Pakistan Revenues and Ministry of Finance
17.5.2.1 The State Bank of Pakistan fulfils the role of the Central Banker, having
overall responsibility for the management of the Government’s banking. The
National Bank of Pakistan takes primary responsibility for the majority of the
transaction processing of Government.
17.6.1 Responsibilities
17.7.1 Responsibilities
18 Financial and
accounting
responsibilities of
Administrative
Financial and
Accounts Officers
18.1.1.1 The term financial officer has been used in generic sense to describe all
officers having accounting or financial responsibility.
18.2.1 Position
18.2.2 Definition
18.2.2.1 The Principal Accounting Officer is the senior accounting officer within
the entity other than for entities in Schedule 1 and 2 of this Manual. In the case
of Schedule 1 entities the Head of Organisation will assume the responsibilities
of the Principal Accounting Officer.
18.2.3 Responsibilities
18.2.4 Accountability
18.2.5.1 The Principal Accounting Officer will be the Secretary in the centralised
accounting entities and the Chief Executive Officer in the self accounting
entities. The Principal Accounting Officer may delegate to the Controlling
Officer.
18.3.1 Position
18.3.1.1 For each accounting entity within the Federal Government only other than
entities specified in Schedule 2 of this manual there will be assigned a
representative of the Finance Ministry who will be designated as the Financial
Adviser.
18.3.2 Definition
18.3.2.1 The Financial Adviser will be responsible for advising the Principal
Accounting Officer in the application of Government policies.
18.3.3 Responsibilities
18.3.4 Accountability
18.3.5.1 For entities that do not have their own Financial Adviser, the Financial
Adviser attached to the relevant Ministry / Division / Department will be
considered to have an office in the attached entity of that Ministry / Division /
Department.
18.4.1 Position
18.4.1.1 For each entity other than entities specified in Schedule 2 of this manual
there will be a Finance and Accounts Officer/s.
18.4.2 Definition
18.4.2.1 The Finance and Accounts Officer will be responsible for advising the
Principal Accounting Officer on all financial, budgetary and accounting matters
and recording of financial transactions within the entity.
18.4.3 Responsibilities
18.4.4 Accountability
18.5.1 Position
18.5.1.1 There will be an Internal Audit Officer for each centralised accounting
entity and each self accounting entity.
18.5.2 Definition
18.5.2.1 The Internal Audit Officer is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of
systems of internal control and reports to the Principal Accounting Officer.
18.5.3 Responsibilities
18.5.4 Accountability
18.5.4.1 The Internal Audit Officer will be responsible accountable to the Principal
Accounting Officer.
18.6.1 Position
18.6.1.1 The Principal Accounting Officer will assign a Project Director to each
project.
18.6.2 Definition
18.6.2.1 The Project Director will be responsible for the performance and financial
and accounting function of the project to which the Project Director is assigned.
18.6.3 Responsibilities
18.6.4 Accountability
18.7.1 Position
18.7.2 Definition
18.7.3 Responsibilities
18.7.4 Accountability
18.8.1 Position
18.8.2 Definition
18.8.3 Responsibilities
Responsibilities are detailed in Section 4.3.1.
As detailed in Section 4.3.1.1(e), the Controller General of Accounts
shall be responsible for update and maintenance of New Accounting
Model (including the Chart of Accounts). However, where a change to
methods and principles defined in NAM is to be introduced, this will be
updated/changed in consultation with the Auditor General of Pakistan.
18.8.4 Accountability
18.8.4.2 The specific terms, conditions and powers are contained in the Pakistan
(Audit and Accounts) Order 1973, issued by the President.
18.9.1 Position
18.9.2 Definition
18.9.3 Responsibilities
18.9.3.1 For all entities other than entities specified in Schedule 1 & 2 of this
Mmanual the Accountant-General is responsible for:
keeping the accounting records of their transactions
performing the pre-audit (validation) function on payments
preparation and submission of civil accounts to the Federal and .
Provincial and District/Local Governments in the manner specified by the
Auditor-GeneralController General of Accounts.
preparation and submission of annual accounts of the Federal, Provincial
and ProvincialDistrict/Local Governments to the Comptroller-
GeneralController General of Accounts.
preparation of bank reconciliation
18.9.4 Accountability
19 Schedule 1 - Self
accounting entities
19.1.1.1 Self accounting entities are defined in sections (as per 1.3.3.5) as any
accounting entity for whom the Principal Accounting Officer has primary
responsibility for the accounting and reporting functions (i.e. as opposed to the
Auditor General’sController General of Accounts office).
20 Schedule 2 -
Exempt entities
20.1.1.1 Exempt entities are defined as those which fall outside the responsibility of
the Controller General of Accounts/Auditor General of Pakistan for accounting
and reporting purposes.