Case Study of State Government Finances—Four Good Examples and Four Basket Cases

• In Event: Reception with ELS posters
  In Poster Session: Poster 3

Abstract

This is a case study designed for a class of 40-50 students introducing them to accounting and financial reporting by state governments. The students will analyze state government financial conditions and the quality (and integrity) of states' financial communication, in both the budgeting process and the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports. They will also learn to critically analyze financial results in light of the economic and demographic context and interdisciplinary lessons. The case will draw on Truth in Accounting's "State Data Lab" website facility. We aim to develop this case study into a national case competition tentatively for October. I have successfully used this case in a class at Loyola U. Chicago already, and can share the current version with you if you wish.

Author

• William John Bergman, Truth in Accounting