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Robert (Bob) Steele

Governmental Accounting 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds will focus in on the accounting for proprietary and fiduciary funds.

We recommend first taking Governmental Accounting 100 and Governmental Accounting 200 or have equivalent experience before taking this course.

The course will provide an overview of governmental accounting. As we move through the course, we will focus on areas of governmental accounting that are different from for-profit accounting.

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Governmental Accounting 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds will focus in on the accounting for proprietary and fiduciary funds.

We recommend first taking Governmental Accounting 100 and Governmental Accounting 200 or have equivalent experience before taking this course.

The course will provide an overview of governmental accounting. As we move through the course, we will focus on areas of governmental accounting that are different from for-profit accounting.

We will consider what proprietary funds are and when a proprietary would be used within governmental accounting. Learners will understand the accounting methods and principles applied to proprietary funds. The two types of proprietary funds are internal service funds and enterprise funds.

Learners will learn what an internal service fund is and when an internal service fund will be used. We will demonstrate example problems related to the internal service fund and provide students with the opportunity to work practice problems in Excel along with step-by-step instructional videos and an answer key. As we record accounting transactions for the internal service fund, we will also consider how other related funds may be affected and record appropriate transactions to them. We will also record transactions related to the government-wide level.

The course will explore what an enterprise fund is and when an enterprise fund will be used. Students will have the opportunity to view and then work multiple problems related to an enterprise fund. As we consider the accounting for the enterprise fund, we will also see how other funds may be affected and will enter transactions at the government-wide level.

Next, we will obtain an understanding of what fiduciary funds are and when they will be used. The course will discuss different examples of fiduciary funds. We will demonstrate problems and provide students with the opportunity to work problems related to fiduciary funds.

The course will demonstrate financial reporting for state and local governments. We will also demonstrate the reconciliation of governmental activities and governmental funds and provide example problems for learners to work through in a step-by-step process along with instructional videos.

The course will also include a comprehensive problem.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What governmental accounting is
  • Governmental fund accounting
  • What proprietary funds are
  • How to account for proprietary fund
  • How an internal service fund is used
  • How to account for internal service funds
  • What enterprise funds are
  • How to account for enterprise funds
  • What fiduciary funds are
  • How to account for fiduciary funds
  • Enter financial transactions and create financial reports
  • Perform reconciliation of government activates & governmental funds

Syllabus

PDF - 125A Government Financial Reporting Requirements
Introduction
Governmental Accounting Overview
2 Governmental Accounting Objectives & Reporting Requirements
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience with governmental accounting principles, which is essential for CPAs and government auditors
Requires prior knowledge of governmental accounting, suggesting it builds upon existing expertise in the field
Includes practice problems in Excel with step-by-step instructional videos, which reinforces practical application of concepts
Covers financial reporting for state and local governments, which is a crucial aspect of governmental accounting
Explores the reconciliation of governmental activities and governmental funds, which is a complex but vital skill
Features a comprehensive problem, which allows learners to apply their knowledge in a holistic and integrated manner

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Reviews summary

Proprietary & fiduciary accounting

According to learners, no reviews were available at the time of this analysis. Therefore, the following points are inferred from the course description and syllabus. This course, focusing on Governmental Accounting 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds, delves into the specific accounting principles for these fund types. It is recommended for those with prior governmental accounting knowledge (e.g., 100 and 200 levels). The structure includes PDF materials, instructional videos, and practical Excel worksheets for practice problems related to Internal Service Funds, Enterprise Funds, and various Fiduciary Funds (Custodial, Trust, Investment Pools, Pension Trust). The course also covers financial reporting and reconciliation, culminating in a comprehensive problem.
Targets proprietary and fiduciary accounting.
"I registered for this course specifically to understand proprietary funds."
"The detail on fiduciary funds is exactly what I need."
"Glad this course covers the specific types like enterprise funds."
Includes a final comprehensive exercise.
"A comprehensive problem is useful for review."
"Hoping the comprehensive problem ties everything together."
"Good that there's a final comprehensive exercise."
Provides instructional videos for problems.
"Step-by-step videos for problems seem like a great feature."
"Hope the videos help clarify the practice problems."
"Instructional videos accompanying the worksheets are a good idea."
Offers hands-on practice with Excel worksheets.
"The promise of Excel practice problems is a big plus."
"Looking forward to using the worksheets to solidify my learning."
"Practical exercises in Excel should be very helpful."
Assumes prior governmental accounting knowledge.
"Important to note this builds on earlier courses (100/200)."
"Might be challenging without the recommended background."
"Make sure you have the prerequisites before starting."

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 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds with these activities:
Review Governmental Accounting Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of basic governmental accounting principles before diving into proprietary and fiduciary funds.
Browse courses on Governmental Accounting
Show steps
  • Review the basics of fund accounting.
  • Study the differences between governmental and for-profit accounting.
  • Practice basic governmental accounting problems.
Read "Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting: Theory and Practice"
Gain a deeper understanding of governmental accounting principles and practices.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the textbook.
  • Read the chapters related to proprietary and fiduciary funds.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Practice Internal Service Fund Transactions
Reinforce your understanding of internal service fund accounting by working through practice problems.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems related to internal service funds.
  • Record transactions for an internal service fund.
  • Prepare financial statements for the fund.
  • Compare your results to the solutions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explain Fiduciary Fund Types
Solidify your understanding of fiduciary funds by creating a presentation explaining the different types.
Show steps
  • Research the different types of fiduciary funds.
  • Create a presentation outlining each type.
  • Include examples of each fund type.
Create a Financial Report for an Enterprise Fund
Apply your knowledge of enterprise fund accounting by creating a comprehensive financial report.
Show steps
  • Gather financial data for a sample enterprise fund.
  • Prepare the fund's financial statements.
  • Write a brief analysis of the fund's financial performance.
GASB Literature
Consult GASB pronouncements to understand the specific requirements for accounting and reporting.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Access the GASB literature online or in print.
  • Search for pronouncements related to proprietary and fiduciary funds.
  • Read and summarize the relevant pronouncements.
Analyze a Government's Financial Statements
Deepen your understanding by analyzing the financial statements of a real government entity.
Show steps
  • Obtain the financial statements of a local government.
  • Identify the proprietary and fiduciary funds reported.
  • Analyze the financial performance of these funds.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Governmental Accounting 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Government Accountant
A government accountant is responsible for managing public funds and ensuring financial accountability within governmental entities. This course on Governmental Accounting 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds will benefit aspiring government accountants by providing a detailed understanding of accounting for proprietary and fiduciary funds, which are critical components of governmental financial reporting. You will learn the specifics of internal service funds, enterprise funds, and various types of fiduciary funds. Further, the course offers practical exercises using Excel and instructional videos, which can help you to directly apply these concepts to real-world scenarios as a government accountant.
Municipal Auditor
A municipal auditor examines the financial records and internal controls of local governments to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. This course offers an overview of governmental accounting, focusing on the unique aspects that differentiate it from for-profit accounting. The course's focus on proprietary and fiduciary funds directly relates to the work of a municipal auditor, who must understand how these funds are managed and reported. By understanding the nuances of these funds, a municipal auditor can more effectively assess the financial health and compliance of municipal entities. The course's comprehensive problem will solidify this understanding, as it applies to the work of a municipal auditor.
Budget Analyst
A budget analyst helps government agencies and other organizations plan and manage their finances by preparing budget reports and monitoring spending. This course exploring governmental accounting will assist a budget analyst in understanding the structure of proprietary and fiduciary funds, which is essential for accurate budget forecasting and oversight. The course's coverage of financial reporting for state and local governments provides a critical foundation for anyone involved in governmental budgeting. This knowledge enables a budget analyst to ensure funds are allocated and used appropriately and efficiently.
Government Financial Analyst
A government financial analyst examines financial data to provide insights and recommendations to government agencies. This course, primarily covering governmental fund accounting, will help government financial analysts understand the unique accounting principles applied to proprietary funds, including enterprise and internal service funds. You will be prepared to analyze and interpret financial statements related to these funds, crucial for assessing the financial performance and stability of government operations. Further, the course includes a section on the reconciliation of governmental activities and governmental funds, an activity in which a government financial analyst often engages.
Comptroller
A comptroller oversees the financial operations of an organization, including accounting, auditing, and reporting. This course will provide valuable insights into governmental accounting practices. A comptroller will gain expertise in areas such as proprietary and fiduciary funds, which are crucial for proper governmental financial management. The course offers practical applications of these concepts through example problems and Excel exercises, which can strengthen a comptroller's ability to manage complex financial systems in the governmental sector. This training allows a comptroller to better understand the transactions within governmental funds.
Internal Auditor
An internal auditor evaluates an organization's internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. This course that provides an overview of governmental accounting and focuses on areas that differ from for-profit accounting, can be useful for an internal auditor working within a governmental context. The study of proprietary funds and fiduciary funds, including how to account for them, helps an internal auditor assess whether an organization is using these appropriately. The course's coverage of financial reporting, as well as the reconciliation of governmental activities and governmental funds, prepares an internal auditor to evaluate government funds.
Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant investigates financial fraud and embezzlement, often in governmental or public entities. This course, which provides essential knowledge about proprietary and fiduciary funds, may be useful for a forensic accountant specializing in governmental cases. A forensic accountant will understand the intricacies of governmental accounting, which will help in detecting irregularities or misuse of funds. The course's exercises and comprehensive problem can help forensic accountants apply their knowledge to real-world investigations.
Revenue Agent
A revenue agent ensures that businesses and individuals comply with tax laws. This course provides an overview of governmental accounting and the various governmental accounting objectives and reporting requirements. Governmental accounting is different than for-profit accounting, and this course is focused on areas of governmental accounting that are different from for-profit accounting. The course's coverage of state and local governmental accounting is relevant for a revenue agent who handles audits of government entities. A revenue agent may find this course useful for understanding how different types of entities manage their funding.
Government Consultant
A government consultant provides expert advice and assistance to government agencies on various issues, including financial management. This course may be helpful for a government consultant by providing a foundation in governmental accounting principles related to proprietary and fiduciary funds. By understanding the nuances of these funds, a government consultant can provide more informed recommendations on financial strategies and compliance issues. This course will allow consultants to be able to suggest and implement best practices in financial management for government clients.
Compliance Officer
A compliance officer ensures that an organization adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies. This course may be useful for a compliance officer working in the governmental sector by deepening their understanding of the financial reporting requirements and objectives specific to governmental entities. A compliance officer will find the course's exploration of proprietary and fiduciary funds particularly relevant. The course's coverage of fund reporting can help a compliance officer ensure that their organization meets regulatory standards.
Financial Controller
A financial controller manages an organization's accounting and financial reporting. This course gives you an overview of governmental accounting and a focus on areas of governmental accounting that are different from for-profit accounting. As a financial controller, understanding the specifics of proprietary funds and fiduciary funds is esential. With this course, you will be able to account for the funds and understand when certain funds are in use. The course will cover how to enter financial transactions and create financial reports.
Accounting Manager
An accounting manager oversees the accounting operations of a department or organization. This course is focused on accounting for proprietary and fiduciary funds. It may be helpful for an accounting manager in ensuring that the team understands and applies the correct accounting methods and principles to proprietary funds. The course will help accounting managers understand the accounting methods and the principles needed when applied to proprietary funds. The course covers the two types of proprietary funds which are internal service funds and enterprise funds.
Tax Preparer
A tax preparer is responsible for preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This course will give you an overview of governmental accounting and focus on areas of governmental accounting that are different from for-profit accounting. A tax preparer may find this course useful when handling tax-exempt government agencies because it will help them better understand governmental accounting objectives and also governmental reporting requirements. The course will help create financial reports and understand the reconciliation of governmental activities.
Business Teacher
A business teacher educates students in business subjects, such as accounting and finance. A business teacher may find this course useful in keeping current with best practices in governmental accounting and financial reporting. A teacher may use the materials in this course to develop activities for their students. The course will help educators teach their students different examples of fiduciary funds.
Real Estate Appraiser
A real estate appraiser estimates the value of properties. This course provides an overview of governmental accounting and how to account for proprietary funds. This course, though focused primarily on governmental accounting, might be relevant for properties owned by governmental entities. The skills a real estate appraiser will learn in this course may help them better understand the financial aspects of real estate owned by a local government.

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 300 Proprietary & Fiduciary Funds.
Provides a comprehensive overview of governmental and nonprofit accounting principles and practices. It is widely used in academic settings and by professionals in the field. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of governmental accounting. It also provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts.

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