Show Me the Money: Using Citizen-Centric Reports to Demystify Governmental Financial Reporting

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Abstract

Powerball Lottery jackpot reaches $1.5 billion. Forty-four states participate in the record breaking profits. Common taxpayer reaction – “Show me the money!” Many governmental financial reports, however, are difficulty for the ordinary taxpayers to understand. This paper describes how educators can use the Citizen-Centric Reporting program developed by the Association of Government Accountants to demystify governmental financial reporting for accounting students. Consequently, the plain language reports prepared by students are presented to the local governments and can be used as a basis for reporting to the public.

Author

• Annette K Pridgen, Jackson State University