This unit explores financial management in the public sector and the environments and frameworks within which it is conducted. It is designed for generalists, rather than finance specialists. Core topics covered include the roles and practices of government in financial management; the impacts of government finances on the economy; budget making in a constrained fiscal environment; decision-making on fiscal and budget matters; and public sector financial management techniques and requirements. The unit provides the analytical skills needed to understand the linkages between budgeting and the macro-fiscal framework, the political decision-making process, the interests of citizens and the creation of public value.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrated understanding of public sector financial management concepts and the importance of government finance from both strategic and operational perspectives;
2. Demonstrated ability to develop and advocate for new spending programs;
3. Demonstrated capacity to evaluate, and advise on public sector financial issues; and
4. Demonstrated capacity to negotiate with others and communicate on government finance issues.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

6266 Public Administration G

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.