Improving Financial Oversight


Book Description




Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government


Book Description

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.




How to Improve the Financial Oversight of Public Corporations


Book Description

Many studies have highlighted how failures of public corporations (otherwise known as state-owned enterprises) can result in huge economic and fiscal costs. To contain the risks associated with these costs, an effective regime for the financial supervision and oversight of public corporations should be put in place. This note discusses the legal, institutional, and procedural arrangements that governments need to oversee the financial operations of their public corporations, ensure accountability for their performance, and manage the fiscal risks they present. In particular, it recommends that governments should focus their surveillance on public corporations that are large in relation to the economy, create fiscal risks, are not profitable, are unstable financially, or are heavily dependent on government subsidies or guarantees.




Powering the Digital Economy: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Finance


Book Description

This paper discusses the impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the financial sector. It highlights the benefits these technologies bring in terms of financial deepening and efficiency, while raising concerns about its potential in widening the digital divide between advanced and developing economies. The paper advances the discussion on the impact of this technology by distilling and categorizing the unique risks that it could pose to the integrity and stability of the financial system, policy challenges, and potential regulatory approaches. The evolving nature of this technology and its application in finance means that the full extent of its strengths and weaknesses is yet to be fully understood. Given the risk of unexpected pitfalls, countries will need to strengthen prudential oversight.




Financial Education and Capability


Book Description

This book introduces the concept of financial capability and assembles the latest evidence from ground-breaking innovations with financially vulnerable families, and links it to education, policy, and practice. It is a key resource for those interested in improving financial education and financial products and services for low-income families.




Nonprofit Financial Oversight


Book Description

Finally! Nonprofit financial oversight is simplified. If you are looking for a way to quickly and efficiently equip your nonprofit board or finance committee members to oversee the financial affairs of your nonprofit organization, look no further. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience serving hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Mike Batts brings his concise and clear communication style to this important topic. Each chapter of this book is an easy read, and the book is loaded with information provided in a plain-language format. The Appendices provide a wealth of useful resources. You don't need to be a financial expert to oversee the financial affairs of a nonprofit organization, but you do need to know what to look for and how to evaluate the information you receive. Nonprofit Financial Oversight - The Concise and Complete Guide for Boards and Finance Committees helps you do just that - simply and efficiently. Resources in this book include: Annual Board Financial Oversight Checklist Your board or finance committee can know the bases are covered by using this helpful plain-language checklist as a reminder of key financial oversight issues that should be addressed in your organization every year. Sample Policies Not only does this book tell you in a straightforward manner what policies most nonprofit organizations should have in place, it provides an array of sample policies to greatly simplify the process of adopting them. Sample Finance Committee Charter This book will help you determine whether your organization needs a finance committee or an audit committee. And if you do, you are ready to go with a sample finance committee charter and guidelines for an audit committee charter! Chapter Titles 1. The Duty of Board Members to Oversee Financial Operations 2. The Finance Committee 3. Audits and Other Accountability Practices 4. Key Areas of Financial Oversight 5. Governing Documents and Policies 6. Internal Financial Reporting and Monitoring 7. Financial Health 8. Tax Compliance 9. Risk Management Appendices A. Annual Financial Oversight Checklist for Boards and Finance Committees B. Sample Conflicts-of-Interest Policy C. Sample Executive Compensation-Setting Policy D. Sample Policy on Dishonesty, Fraud, and Whistleblower Protection E. Sample Donor Privacy Policy F. Sample Gift Acceptance Policy G. Sample Expense Reimbursement Policy







The Federal Reserve System Purposes and Functions


Book Description

Provides an in-depth overview of the Federal Reserve System, including information about monetary policy and the economy, the Federal Reserve in the international sphere, supervision and regulation, consumer and community affairs and services offered by Reserve Banks. Contains several appendixes, including a brief explanation of Federal Reserve regulations, a glossary of terms, and a list of additional publications.




How to Improve the Financial Oversight of Public Corporations


Book Description

Many studies have highlighted how failures of public corporations (otherwise known as state-owned enterprises) can result in huge economic and fiscal costs. To contain the risks associated with these costs, an effective regime for the financial supervision and oversight of public corporations should be put in place. This note discusses the legal, institutional, and procedural arrangements that governments need to oversee the financial operations of their public corporations, ensure accountability for their performance, and manage the fiscal risks they present. In particular, it recommends that governments should focus their surveillance on public corporations that are large in relation to the economy, create fiscal risks, are not profitable, are unstable financially, or are heavily dependent on government subsidies or guarantees.




Improving Fiscal Transparency to Raise Government Efficiency and Reduce Corruption Vulnerabilities in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe


Book Description

This departmental paper investigates how countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) can improve fiscal transparency, thereby raising government efficiency and reducing corruption vulnerabilities.