CAFR research paper will be on Boston, MA. The deliverable for this assignment is an 8-10-page paper, font 12, double spaced (approximately 2000 words; the number of pages will vary depending on how many illustrations you have) including a cover sheet and reference page. It is important that this be your original thoughts and language/writing. Do not copy large sections from a source. If you do include a sentence or two word for word, be sure to put it in quotes. Provide citations for information such as facts and other information.
The paper should include:
· An introduction to including the purpose of the paper and an intro to the city,
· Graphs or charts in the body of the report to compare topics, data, statistics, and anything else that you need to present to support your analysis of the data or to help the reader understand your point. Do not just say it is there; give Examples of the way it is presented and the implications.
· Analysis that should be on two levels: First, the quality of the reports in terms of meeting GASB 34 or GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) award requirements including how “user friendly” it is in your opinion (support your opinion) and second, some analysis of the data such as where the money is spent, how healthy the current revenue stream, the reserves, how well inter-period equity issues are addressed, etc.
· Review of the format, and the presentation of the CAFR, which should include mention of significant differences between the Conclusion of your overall assessment of the City of Poway CAFR and Budget. Reiterate the main points of your findings and analysis; what is needed, what was presented very well, and anything you think they could improve.
Part 1 – Budget analysis
1. In your paper, provide answers to the following questions using visuals as well as text. Provide the discussion and analysis as if you were presenting a report to the Council:
a. What major concerns are addressed in the budget document?
b. What is the total city budget? Break out the budget for the enterprise funds versus the general fund.
c. What sources of revenue are received by the city overall?
2. Look at the General fund budget overall. Compare revenues and Expenditures budgeted.
a. Determine which Department consumes the most general government resources (support your selection). For that department, answer these questions:
i. What are the department’s goals and purpose? How does that match with what you would think the citizens Expect?
ii. Are there revenues specific to the department?
iii. What are the budgeted Expenditures? Provide Examples from the budget.
iv. If a 15% decrease is to be made for this department you have chosen where would you cut the budget? Explain why and what you think the overall effect of this decrease would be on the department.
v. Anything else you think is significant about this department’s budget?
Part 2 – CAFR analysis
1. Read the Transmittal Letter, MD&A and notes. For additional reference, look for official reports or financial information such as reports to the Council about the CAFR.
2. Provide an analysis of the CAFR using text and graphics as if you were presenting your analysis to someone to inform them about CAFRs in general and this city in particular.
3. Include in your analysis the answers to the following questions. Be sure to also conform to the guidelines for the paper presented in the first section of these instructions and support your opinions with references or Examples.
a. Has the city received an award for the CAFR? If so, you don’t need to spend time analyzing conformity with GASB 34 requirements.
b. What detail is available in the notes to the statements that would be useful to a reader (citizen, potential commercial operation, etc.)?
c. What is the financial situation for this government? Support your comments with Examples from the CAFR. Is there sufficient information to determine the financial health of the government?
d. Compare the information provided in the CAFR and the budget for this city including a review of the budget vs. actual statements in the CAFR.
The objective of this activity is for you to be aware of what is happening in the real world that relates to governmental accounting and reporting–to make the study of accounting more meaningful, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It is also intended to provide an opportunity for you to practice applying what you have learned to a real-world example and to demonstrate your written communication. It is important that this be your own writing; it is more important to use your own words.
