Public Sector Debt Statistics from edX

This course, presented by IMF Statistics Department, covers the fundamentals needed to compile and disseminate comprehensive public sector debt statistics (PSDS) that are useful for policy- and decision-makers, as well as other users.

The course introduces the conceptual statistical framework for PSDS—as presented in the Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users—in the context of the government finance statistics (GFS) framework, which is harmonized with other macroeconomic statistical frameworks. Basic concepts, definitions, and classifications are covered, along with the principal accounting rules (including valuation and consolidation) that are relevant for PSDS compilation.

The course discusses the recommended the instrument and institutional coverage for compiling comprehensive, internationally comparable PSDS, and how to record contingent liabilities such as government guarantees. It also deals with the impact on PSDS of some debt-related issues such as debt assumption, debt forgiveness, on-lending, financial leases, and financial bailouts.

Important PSDS compilation considerations—including what PSDS to compile and disseminate—and the IMF’s guidelines and standards on disseminating PSDS are also covered. The course also presents possible uses of PSDS, including debt sustainability analyses (DSA), and fiscal risk and vulnerability analyses.

What you'll learn

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

Define gross and net debt and explain the basic concepts and accounting principles that apply to compilation of public sector debt statistics.
Classify public sector debt positions according to the Public Sector Debt Statistics Guide classifications.
Apply the general principles to classify an entity in the public sector and in relevant subsectors of the public sector, such as the general government and public corporations.
Report to the IMF and the World Bank quarterly public sector debt statistics covering, at a minimum, the central government.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define gross and net debt and explain the basic concepts and accounting principles that apply to compilation of public sector debt statistics.
Classify public sector debt positions according to the public sector debt statistics guide classifications.

Apply the general principles to classify an entity in the public sector and in relevant subsectors of the public sector, such as the general government and public corporations.
Report to the imf and the world bank quarterly public sector debt statistics covering, at a minimum, the central government.

Define gross and net debt and explain the basic concepts and accounting principles that apply to compilation of public sector debt statistics.
Classify public sector debt positions according to the public sector debt statistics guide classifications.
Apply the general principles to classify an entity in the public sector and in relevant subsectors of the public sector, such as the general government and public corporations.
Report to the imf and the world bank quarterly public sector debt statistics covering, at a minimum, the central government.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core skills for budgeting, public finance, and national accounts through a practical approach

Taught by Tobias Wickens, a lead statistician from the IMF

Emphasizes the classification of public sector debt based on international standards

Covers special topics such as guaranteed liabilities, debt assumption, debt forgiveness, and financial leasing

Guides learners in reporting PSDS to the IMF and World Bank

Suitable for finance professionals who need to enhance their PSDS knowledge

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 Public Sector Debt Statistics with these activities:

Review Data Analysis Techniques

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Revisit basic data analysis techniques to enhance your ability to interpret and analyze PSDS data.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Go through your notes or textbooks on data analysis.
Complete a few practice exercises on data manipulation and visualization.

Review Fundamentals of Public Sector Finance

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Review the basic concepts of public sector finance to strengthen your foundation for understanding PSDS.

Browse courses on Government Finance

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Read introductory materials on public sector finance.
Review lecture notes or textbooks on government budgeting and accounting.

Read Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users

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Familiarize yourself with the official IMF guide for PSDS compilation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and methodologies.

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Obtain a copy of the PSDS Guide.
Read through the introductory chapters to grasp the overall framework.
Focus on sections relevant to your specific learning objectives.

One other activity

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Mentor Junior Colleagues on PSDS

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior colleagues or students who are learning about PSDS.

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Identify a mentee who is interested in PSDS.
Provide guidance and support on PSDS concepts and methodologies.
Review their work and provide constructive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Public Sector Debt Statistics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Government Finance Officer

Government finance officers are responsible for the financial management of government agencies. Public Sector Debt Statistics will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role.

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Public Finance Manager

Public Finance Managers oversee the financial operations of government agencies. Public Sector Debt Statistics will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

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Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations create and manage budgets. The focus of Public Sector Debt Statistics is on government budgeting at the local, state, and federal levels. You will gain an understanding of public sector debt statistics and reporting in this course.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. Public Sector Debt Statistics will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. Public Sector Debt Statistics will help you develop the skills to analyze and interpret public sector debt data.

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Financial Risk Manager

Financial risk managers identify and manage financial risks. Public Sector Debt Statistics will help you develop the skills to assess and manage the risks associated with public sector debt.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts develop and analyze policies for governments and other organizations. Public Sector Debt Statistics will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to develop and analyze public sector debt policies.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide investment advice to individuals and organizations. Public Sector Debt Statistics will help you develop the skills to analyze public sector debt and make recommendations to clients.

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Risk Analyst

Risk analysts identify and manage risks. Public Sector Debt Statistics will help you develop the skills to assess and manage the risks associated with public sector debt.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Public Sector Debt Statistics will provide you with a strong foundation in the economics of public sector debt.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical skills to assess risk and uncertainty. Public Sector Debt Statistics provides you with the foundational knowledge of these skills necessary to be successful in this field. You will be able to understand the basic concepts and accounting principles that apply to compilation of public sector debt statistics.

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Investment Banker

Investment bankers help organizations raise capital. Public Sector Debt Statistics will give you insights into the public sector debt market and the factors that affect the pricing of public sector debt.

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Registered Representative

Registered representatives sell securities to individuals and organizations. Public Sector Debt Statistics will give you an understanding of the public sector debt market and the different types of public sector debt securities.

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Credit Analyst

Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and organizations. Public Sector Debt Statistics provides insights into the factors that affect the creditworthiness of governments.

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Compliance Analyst

Compliance analysts ensure that organizations comply with laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Public Sector Debt Statistics will give you an understanding of the accounting principles and government regulations related to public sector debt.

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