The accumulation of government expenditure arrears is one of the most common problems in public financial management. This technical note defines expenditure arrears and the different types of arrears that arise. The economic impact of chronic expenditure arrears accumulation is highlighted. The note discusses the underlying causes and mechanisms for preventing and controlling the further accumulation of arrears. The note concludes with some strategies for managing and clearing arrears.

This technical note and manual addresses the following main questions: 1. What is accrual accounting? 2. What are the reasons for moving from cash to accrual accounting? 3. What are the differences between accrual accounting and accrual budgeting? 4. What are the main steps to be taken in moving from cash to accrual accounting? 5. What are the preconditions for introducing accrual accounting? 6. How should a move to accrual accounting be sequenced and managed in relation to the government ...

This technical note and manual addresses the following main issues: 1. Discusses the problems of fragmented government banking arrangements and how a treasury single account (TSA) could address them. 2. Explains the concept of a TSA and describes its features. 3. Discusses the design issues that need to be considered in setting up a TSA system. 4. Discusses the preconditions and key sequencing and implementation issues that need to be addressed in establishing a TSA.