Fundamentals of Public Financial Management

Understanding how governments manage public funds is essential for ensuring economic stability and public trust. This course demystifies the complex world of public finance, guiding you through how government budgets are created, approved, and executed. You will transition from having a basic curiosity about government spending to possessing a structured understanding of public financial cycles. Through clear written explanations, you will learn to analyze public budgets, evaluate fiscal policies, and understand the mechanisms that hold governments accountable. What you'll learn: - Understand the core phases of the government budget cycle from formulation to evaluation - Analyze how policy priorities are translated into structured, transparent public budgets - Evaluate public expenditure and the role of internal and external audit institutions - Explore modern financial management information systems (FMIS) and digital reporting tools - Examine green budgeting practices and how sustainability is integrated into fiscal planning - Apply accountability frameworks to assess government financial performance and transparency The course begins with foundational definitions of public finance and fiscal policy before moving into the practical stages of the budget cycle. You will progress through real-world scenarios, examining how modern digital tools and environmental considerations shape contemporary public financial management. This course is designed for beginners, public sector employees, civic activists, and anyone interested in governance, with no prior background in finance or economics required. Start building your foundational knowledge of public financial systems today.