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Gary Bandy, Henry Lahr, Stephen Henderson, Paul Corner, and Jeremy Roebuck

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course provides a practical introduction for anyone drawn to working in public financial management, as well as essential continuous professional development for early career public finance professionals. It is also suitable for managers in public bodies and charities, whose roles involve public financial management - for example, doctors, librarians, social workers, police officers, engineers or civil servants.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course provides a practical introduction for anyone drawn to working in public financial management, as well as essential continuous professional development for early career public finance professionals. It is also suitable for managers in public bodies and charities, whose roles involve public financial management - for example, doctors, librarians, social workers, police officers, engineers or civil servants.

Topics Covered

  • The differences between financial management in the public and private sectors.
  • The basics of taxation, including different types of taxes and their features.
  • Different approaches to budgeting and their strengths and weaknesses.
  • The key internal controls for managing the finances of any organisation.
  • The prevention of fraud and corruption.
  • The five Es of value for money: effectiveness, economy, efficiency, equity, ethics.
  • How to put a value on the costs and benefits of public services.
  • The importance of accountability and transparency in the management of public money.
  • The role of external and internal auditors and what an audit opinion means.

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Reviews summary

Public financial management essentials

According to students, 'Managing Public Money' is a highly recommended course, particularly for those new to or working in the public and non-profit sectors. Learners consistently praise its clear, concise, and easy-to-follow content, which provides an excellent foundational understanding of public financial management. Its well-structured modules make complex topics accessible and are highly relevant to practical roles. While the course is lauded for its comprehensiveness for beginners, a few suggest that some topics could benefit from more in-depth exploration and specific real-world case studies for advanced learners. Overall, it's seen as an essential and insightful overview.
Key areas like accountability, transparency, and value for money are highlighted.
"I particularly appreciated the modules on accountability and transparency."
"The focus on value for money was particularly enlightening."
"The emphasis on ethics and accountability resonated deeply."
"It covered relevant areas."
Provides a solid, comprehensive introduction to public financial management.
"Provided an excellent insight on public financial management."
"The content is highly informative, providing a solid foundation in public finance."
"Very good overview for those who want to enter or work in public finance."
"It provides an excellent framework and highlights the unique aspects of public money management."
"Comprehensive introduction to public financial management."
Practical and essential for professionals in public/non-profit sectors.
"A really informative course, I recommend it for all people working in the public and non-profit sector..."
"Perfect for me, good and comprehensive, but not too demanding. For a public manager, it's very useful."
"Highly relevant for my role in a local government."
"An essential course for anyone in public administration."
"This course is a must for anyone managing public funds."
Explanations are easy to understand, making complex topics digestible.
"Excellent course, easy to understand & follow lessons."
"The content was clear, concise, and easy to follow."
"The clear explanations and practical examples made complex topics accessible."
"The explanations were spot on and easy to grasp. I learned a lot."
"It demystifies complex topics with clarity and provides practical insights."
Could benefit from more specific case studies and interactive elements.
"I found some of the examples a bit generic and could benefit from more specific, real-world case studies."
"The course covered a wide range of topics, but I sometimes wished for more interactive elements beyond the readings."
Excellent for beginners but may lack depth for advanced practitioners.
"Good foundation, but felt some topics could have been explored in more depth. It's a great start, but not comprehensive enough for advanced practitioners."
"Overall good course. Some parts felt a bit rushed, but the core concepts were well explained. Useful for foundational knowledge."
"The course offers a good overview of public finance, but I expected more advanced discussion on policy implications."

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Career center

Learners who complete Managing Public Money will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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This classic textbook provides a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of the field of public finance. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of public finance in German. It is written in a clear and concise style, and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Examines the political economy of public finance. It provides a valuable perspective on the role of politics in shaping fiscal policy.
Examines the relationship between public finance and income distribution. It provides a valuable perspective on the role of fiscal policy in reducing inequality.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public finance. It valuable resource for students and researchers.
Examines the role of public finance in economic development. It provides a valuable perspective on the fiscal challenges facing developing countries.
Authored by a Nobel laureate, this book offers a rigorous yet accessible treatment of public finance. It delves into the economic rationale for government intervention, market failures, and the design of public policies. It is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students and is often used as a core textbook, providing a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of public finance. The latest edition is from 2015.
This is another highly regarded textbook in public finance, known for its clear explanations and up-to-date coverage. It balances theoretical concepts with real-world applications and policy analysis. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding and is frequently used in undergraduate programs. The latest edition includes contributions from Ted Gayer.
This classic text, updated by the original authors, provides a more advanced and in-depth exploration of key topics in public economics, particularly focusing on taxation and its effects. It is highly valuable for graduate students and researchers seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding. While not a recent publication, its foundational concepts remain highly relevant.
This influential journal article, while not a book, classic in public finance, particularly relevant to understanding local government finance and the concept of Tiebout sorting. It offers a unique perspective on how individuals reveal their preferences for local public goods. It is essential reading for those interested in local public finance.
Cost-Benefit Analysis crucial tool in public finance for evaluating the efficiency of public projects and policies. provides a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of cost-benefit analysis, making it highly relevant for students and professionals involved in public decision-making. It is often used as a textbook in public policy programs.
Offers an accessible overview of the U.S. tax system and the key debates surrounding tax policy. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of a critical component of public finance, particularly for those in high school or early undergraduate programs. It is more valuable as additional reading than a primary textbook.
Provides a more technical and in-depth analysis of taxation from an economic perspective. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students specializing in public finance or closely related fields. It delves into the economic effects of different tax instruments and optimal tax theory.
This multi-volume handbook comprehensive collection of advanced surveys on various topics in public economics, written by leading experts. It is an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals seeking in-depth knowledge on specific areas within public finance. It serves primarily as a reference tool.
Focuses specifically on the processes and techniques of public budgeting, a critical administrative aspect of public finance. It is highly relevant for students and professionals interested in the practicalities of managing public money and is often used in public administration and public policy programs.
This classic work explores the challenges of collective action, particularly in the context of providing public goods. It offers insights into why large groups may fail to act in their common interest, which has significant implications for understanding the provision of public goods and the role of government. It foundational text in public choice theory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public finance, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It is written in a clear and concise style, and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.

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