Government Finance Statistics
Government Finance Statistics (GFSx)
This course focuses on both the conceptual framework of government finance statistics (GFS) as presented in the IMF's Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014 (GFSM 2014) and on practical aspects of data compilation. Basic concepts and definitions, accounting principles, and detailed classifications are dealt with in the context of the GFSM 2014, which is harmonized with the System of National Accounts (SNA 2008). The course examines the GFS framework, as well as its coverage and accounting rules (including accrual accounting), classifications, balance sheets and debt, and the sources and methods used for compiling GFS. Lastly, the course discusses the dissemination of GFS and its uses in fiscal policymaking and analyses.
Target Audience
Officials whose main responsibility is compiling and disseminating fiscal statistics.
Qualifications
Participants are expected to have a degree in economics, public financial management, statistics, or equivalent experience.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the GFS integrated framework, understand its advantages and the importance of comprehensive, consistent, and internationally comparable fiscal data for fiscal policy design, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Apply the main macroeconomic principles to identify public sector institutional units and distinguish between general government units and public corporations.
- Apply the basic macroeconomic concepts, principles, and accounting rules to identify, classify, and record transactions, other economic flows, and stock positions.
- Explain how specific government operations and other flows outside the government control impact the fiscal deficit/surplus, debt, and net worth.
- Describe the relationships between the main fiscal aggregates, and between the fiscal aggregates and other macroeconomic indicators.
Upcoming Offering
| Start date | End date | Location | Delivery Method | Session No. | Primary & (Interpretation) language | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | April 15, 2026 | Course conducted online | Online Training | OL 25.168 | Spanish | Apply online by April 1, 2026 |
| May 1, 2025 | April 15, 2026 | Course conducted online | Online Training | OL 25.167 | French | Apply online by April 1, 2026 |
| May 1, 2025 | April 15, 2026 | Course conducted online | Online Training | OL 25.166 | English | Apply online by April 1, 2026 |