Year
2024
Authors
CHRISTENSEN Mark, Cohen Sandra, Ellwood Sheila, Newberry Susan, Potter Bradley
Abstract
This paper aims to identify thematic issues in public sector accrual accounting and financial reporting that learn from the past and provide lessons for the future by reflecting on the warnings in Olson et al.’s seminal 1998 book Global Warning. From the topics and examples addressed, we conclude that the transplantation of business accounting and reporting to the public sector carries wider implications for large-scale accounting change and requires vigilance. Transplanting to new fields of accounting technology that is itself undergoing constant change may be more problematic and challenging than previously recognized. Critical challenge and assessment of whether Global Warning’s concerns are still valid today and whether the public sector faces new “warnings” regarding its accounting and reporting.
CHRISTENSEN, M., COHEN, S., ELLWOOD, S., NEWBERRY, S. et POTTER, B. (2024). Reflections on public sector accrual accounting and reporting: a post-operative transplant view. Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management, In press.