Technical Notes and Manuals
Technical Notes and Manuals are produced by IMF departments to expand the dissemination of their technical assistance advice. These papers present general advice and guidance, drawn in part from unpublished technical assistance reports, to a broader audience. This new series launched in September 2009.
2009
October 6, 2009
Commitment Controls
Description: This technical note elaborates the objectives of commitment controls. The focus on commitment controls is justified on the grounds of their important role in developing an overall expenditure control framework, as well as controlling the accumulation of payment arrears. The note describes the preconditions for successful implementation of commitment controls. It elaborates the main institutional forms and operational arrangements of commitment controls. Implications for the IMF’s operational work and technical assistance are also discussed.
September 21, 2009
Transition to Accrual Accounting
Description: 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 overall agenda for public management reform?
September 21, 2009
A Basic Model of Performance-Based Budgeting
Description: This technical note presents a basic model of performance-based budgeting. It describes the characteristics of the model and explains how low-income countries should approach performance-based budgeting. The note emphasizes necessary preconditions for any move to performance-based budgeting—recognizing that performance-based budgeting, even in its basic form, should not be considered in countries with seriously dysfunctional public financial management and governance systems. The note also outlines reasons why more complex performance-based budgeting models of performance-based budgeting may not be appropriate in many countries.
Notes: Full text also available in Spanish.