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Robert (Bob) Steele

The course will focus on larger capital projects and the use of a capital project fund and debt service fund to track them.

We will cover governmental accounting objective, which will be a review from governmental accounting 100.

The course will discuss what capital assets are and how they are recorded in governmental accounting, comparing governmental accounting to for-profit accounting.

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The course will focus on larger capital projects and the use of a capital project fund and debt service fund to track them.

We will cover governmental accounting objective, which will be a review from governmental accounting 100.

The course will discuss what capital assets are and how they are recorded in governmental accounting, comparing governmental accounting to for-profit accounting.

Students will learn to record transactions for the issuance of bonds used to finance capital projects, recording transactions at the government-wide level and in the capital project fund, debts service fund, and general fund.

We will create financial statements related to the capital project fund and the debt service fund.

The course will include a comprehensive problem, recording transactions to multiple funds.

As we learn each concepts the course will include Excel worksheets to be downloaded and used to work problems in a step by step format along with instructional videos.

Excel worksheet will generally have three tabs, one with the answer, one with a preformatted worksheet, and one with a blank worksheet.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Governmental accounting core concepts
  • How to record capital assets for governmental accounting
  • How to record transaction to the capital project fund
  • How to record transaction related to large capital projects
  • How to create financial statements for the capital projects fund
  • Financing options including the issuance of bonds for capital projects
  • How to record transactions to the debt service fund
  • How to record transactions related to capital projects to the government wide activities, capital project fund, debts service fund & general fund

Syllabus

Introduction
Governmental Accounting Overview
2 Governmental Accounting Overview
PDF - 105 Governmental Accounting Objectives
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Excel worksheets with preformatted and blank tabs, which allows learners to practice recording transactions step-by-step and check their work
Builds upon governmental accounting core concepts, which may be helpful for those seeking to deepen their understanding of fund accounting
Includes a comprehensive problem that records transactions across multiple funds, which simulates real-world governmental accounting scenarios
Requires learners to have prior knowledge of governmental accounting, which may not be suitable for those new to the field
Focuses on capital projects and debt service funds, which may not be relevant for those interested in other areas of governmental accounting

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Reviews summary

Governmental accounting: capital projects & debt

Based on the course description and syllabus, this course, Governmental Accounting 200, focuses on capital projects and debt service accounting within governmental entities. It covers recording capital assets, transactions for bond issuance, and creating financial statements for the capital project and debt service funds. A comprehensive problem is included to integrate concepts across multiple funds. The course structure suggests a practical approach, providing downloadable Excel worksheets with solutions and blank templates for step-by-step problem working alongside instructional videos.
Requires prior governmental accounting
"We will cover governmental accounting objective, which will be a review from governmental accounting 100."
Core focus on specific fund types
"Focus on larger capital projects and the use of a capital project fund and debt service fund to track them."
"Record transactions for the issuance of bonds used to finance capital projects..."
"How to create financial statements for the capital projects fund"
Integrates multiple funds and topics
"The course will include a comprehensive problem, recording transactions to multiple funds."
Step-by-step practice with Excel tools
"Excel worksheets to be downloaded and used to work problems in a step by step format"
"Excel worksheet will generally have three tabs, one with the answer, one with a preformatted worksheet, and one with a blank worksheet."
"Worksheet - E22 Capital Projects Fund & Government Wide"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Governmental Accounting 200 Capital Projects & Debt Service with these activities:
Review Governmental Accounting Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of basic governmental accounting principles to better grasp the nuances of capital project and debt service fund accounting.
Browse courses on Governmental Accounting
Show steps
  • Review the basic principles of fund accounting.
  • Study the different fund types and their uses.
  • Practice basic governmental accounting journal entries.
Read 'Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting'
Supplement your understanding of governmental accounting with a comprehensive textbook that provides detailed explanations and examples.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting'.
  • Read the chapters related to fund accounting and capital assets.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Practice Journal Entries for Capital Projects
Solidify your understanding of capital project fund accounting by practicing journal entries for various transactions.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems related to capital project fund accounting.
  • Record journal entries for each transaction.
  • Compare your answers to the solutions.
  • Repeat until you can consistently record correct entries.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Capital Project Fund Financial Statement Template
Deepen your understanding of capital project fund financial reporting by creating a template for the statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance.
Show steps
  • Review the required components of the statement.
  • Design a spreadsheet template with appropriate columns and rows.
  • Populate the template with sample data.
  • Verify that the template produces accurate results.
Create a Presentation on Debt Service Funds
Reinforce your knowledge of debt service funds by creating a presentation that explains their purpose and accounting treatment.
Show steps
  • Research debt service fund accounting principles.
  • Create a presentation outline.
  • Develop slides with clear explanations and examples.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Explore 'GASB Codification'
Gain a deeper understanding of the authoritative guidance for governmental accounting by exploring the GASB Codification.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Access the GASB Codification online or in print.
  • Search for sections related to capital assets and debt service.
  • Read the relevant standards and interpretations.
  • Take notes on key concepts and requirements.
Analyze a Local Government's Capital Projects Fund
Apply your knowledge by analyzing the capital projects fund of a local government and identifying key transactions and reporting practices.
Show steps
  • Obtain the financial statements of a local government.
  • Locate the capital projects fund information.
  • Analyze the fund's revenues, expenditures, and fund balance.
  • Identify any significant capital projects and their funding sources.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Governmental Accounting 200 Capital Projects & Debt Service will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Government Accountant
A Government Accountant manages financial records and reporting for governmental entities. This often involves ensuring compliance with specific accounting standards and regulations unique to the public sector. This course helps build a foundation in governmental accounting principles, especially concerning capital projects and debt service funds, which are crucial for a government accountant to understand. The course's focus on recording transactions for bond issuances and creating financial statements for capital project and debt service funds equips aspiring government accountants with practical skills. The inclusion of Excel worksheets for step by step problem solving further enhances their ability to handle real-world scenarios.
Municipal Auditor
A Municipal Auditor examines the financial records and internal controls of local government entities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper use of public funds. The course provides a solid understanding of governmental accounting objectives, capital assets, capital project funds, and debt service funds, all vital for a municipal auditor. The course's detailed exploration of recording transactions related to large capital projects and the issuance of bonds offers a comprehensive perspective. Furthermore, learning to create financial statements for these funds positions learners to effectively evaluate the financial health and operational efficiency of municipal entities. The Excel based exercises in the course may assist in understanding how to analyze complex data.
Budget Analyst
A Budget Analyst is key in developing and managing budgets for government entities or non-profit organizations. They analyze financial data, prepare budget proposals, and monitor expenditures to ensure funds are allocated effectively. The course helps the skills needed to understand governmental accounting practices related to capital projects and debt service. By learning how to track and record transactions for bond issuances and manage capital project funds, a budget analyst gains valuable insights into the financial structure of government entities. The course's comprehensive problem solving approach, coupled with Excel based exercises, enhances the analyst's ability to create and manage complex budgets effectively.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data and provides insights to guide investment decisions and financial planning. Within the government sector, these analysts may focus on evaluating the financial viability of capital projects and managing debt. The course provides a strong foundation, including how to record capital assets for governmental accounting. By engaging with the course, learners can develop the ability to analyze financial statements and transactions related to capital projects, which are essential for effective financial planning and decision making within governmental organizations. Excel based exercises may assist in understanding how to analyze data.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer ensures that an organization adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies. In governmental accounting, this role involves ensuring compliance with specific accounting standards and reporting requirements. This course helps in understanding governmental accounting objectives and the proper recording of transactions related to capital projects and debt service funds. This knowledge is vital for a compliance officer to effectively monitor and enforce adherence to relevant regulations. The detailed coverage of financial statement creation and transaction recording across multiple funds provides a strong foundation for ensuring accuracy and legality in governmental financial operations.
Grants Manager
A Grants Manager oversees the administration of grant funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and proper financial reporting. The course may be useful to Grants Managers who work with governmental entities. The course can help one to understand how transactions are recorded in the capital projects fund, and debts service fund. The course's exploration of government wide activities may also be relevant, enhancing their ability to manage grant funds effectively and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Treasurer
A Treasurer is responsible for managing an organization's financial resources, including cash flow, investments, and debt. For a governmental entity, this involves understanding governmental accounting standards and managing funds related to capital projects. The course may be useful to gain insights into the specifics of capital project funds and debt service funds. By exploring the creation of financial statements and the recording of transactions across various funds, treasurers can enhance their ability to manage governmental finances effectively.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. When working with governmental entities, a consultant often needs to understand governmental accounting principles. Taking this course may provide a foundation in governmental accounting, particularly concerning capital projects and debt service. The course's coverage of recording transactions, creating financial statements, and using Excel based exercises may enhance a consultant's ability to analyze and improve governmental financial processes.
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst examines data to identify trends and insights that can improve decision-making. For governmental entities, this can involve analyzing financial data related to capital projects and debt. The course may be useful in understanding the financial aspects of governmental accounting. The course's focus on Excel based problem solving and financial statement creation may enhance a business intelligence analyst's ability to extract meaningful insights from governmental financial data.
Business Systems Analyst
A Business Systems Analyst analyzes an organization's systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and implement technological solutions. In governmental accounting, this could involve optimizing financial reporting systems. The course may be useful for understanding governmental accounting principles. The course's focus on Excel based problem solving may enhance a business systems analyst's ability to design and implement efficient financial systems for governmental entities.
Nonprofit Accountant
A Nonprofit Accountant manages financial records and reporting for nonprofit organizations, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and accounting standards. The course may provide a comparative perspective between governmental and nonprofit accounting. This can be helpful in understanding the nuances of financial management in the nonprofit sector. The course's coverage of financial statement creation may be useful in the work of a nonprofit accountant.
Forensic Accountant
A Forensic Accountant investigates financial irregularities and fraud, often working with legal teams and law enforcement agencies. While this course focuses on governmental accounting, the emphasis on financial statement analysis and transaction tracking may provide a helpful foundation for forensic accounting work. By exploring how capital projects and debt service funds are managed, a forensic accountant may gain insights into potential areas of financial misconduct.
Real Estate Developer
A Real Estate Developer manages the planning, financing, and construction of real estate projects, including those involving public funds or partnerships with government entities. Taking this course may provide insights into how governmental entities account for capital assets and projects. Understanding governmental accounting standards, particularly concerning capital projects and the issuance of bonds, may help real estate developers navigate projects involving public sector financing and partnerships. The course's focus on capital project funds and debt service funds can offer developers a valuable perspective.
Government Consultant
A Government Consultant provides expert advice and support to governmental agencies on a variety of issues, including financial management and operational efficiency. A consultant focusing on finance may find the course useful. The course's insights into governmental accounting principles, capital projects, and debt service may enhance a consultant's ability to analyze and improve governmental financial practices. Excel based exercises and comprehensive problem solving approaches may assist in understanding and addressing complex governmental challenges.
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker helps companies and governments raise capital by underwriting and selling securities, such as bonds. While this course focuses on the accounting side of governmental finance, the understanding of bond issuances and capital project funding helps Investment Bankers to work with municipalities and government entities effectively. The course's detailed exploration of bond transactions and financial statement creation may provide a valuable foundation for professionals in investment banking who work with governmental clients.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Governmental Accounting 200 Capital Projects & Debt Service.
Provides a comprehensive overview of governmental and nonprofit accounting principles and practices. It useful reference for understanding the complexities of fund accounting and financial reporting in the public sector. The book is commonly used as a textbook in governmental accounting courses at universities. It offers more in-depth explanations and examples than the course alone.

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