ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OFFICE

Objective of the office:

To be a leading entity in the provision of quality Accounting and Financial advisory services to the public sector through proper maintenance of accounting records, timely provision of financial reports and ensuring proper accountability of public funds among others. 

Functions:

The Office of the Accountant General has the responsibility to facilitate – 

  1. the adoption of fundamental accounting principles and internationally recognized Accounting Standards;
  2. the implementation of accounting policies with regards to expenditures, revenues, assets, liabilities and other economic events;
  3. the implementation of non-current assets policies and guidelines;
  4. the consolidation of semi-annual and annual Government’s non current assets management plans;
  5. the production of semi-annual and annual consolidated Government’s non-current assets reports;
  6. the provision of support to public entities on valuation of the non current assets;
  7. the implementation of a Standard Chart of Accounts;
  8. the implementation of the financial management system;
  9. the development and implementation of Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidelines and Manuals;
  10. the development and implementation of formats, templates for production of Financial Statements and reports;
  11. the monitoring on a regular basis accounting and financial reports of public entities for compliance with the Organic Law and this Order;
  12. the provision of responses to accounting and financial reporting issues raised by the Internal Auditor General and the Auditor General of State Finances;
  13. the production of Consolidated Financial Statements; and
  14. the issuance of specific guidelines to guide Chief Budget Managers in the recruitment, capacity development, performance appraisal and management of accountants and finance staff.

Accountant General Department is made by 3 components:

  • Deputy AG/DG in Charge of Public Account
  • Non-Current Asset and Inventory
  • IFMIS Project

1. Public Accounts

a. Brief background 

The Public Accounts Unit is one the units under Accountant General’s Office and is responsible for building capacity among reporting entities in areas of public finance management, receiving reports from reporting entities, reviewing and providing feedback and consolidating these reports at certain intervals. The unit is therefore the interface between MINECOFIN and reporting entities in matters relating to financial reporting.

The Unit is currently comprised of 11 staff members headed by Deputy Accountant General and is organized in the following teams:

  • Reporting;
  • Training and communication; and
  • Systems and procedures

Each team is headed by a team leader with each team comprising of at least two team members.

b. Strategic objectives of PAU

The following is the strategic objectives of PAU:

  • Preparation of consolidated financial statement of Government of Rwanda;
  • Development and ensuring compliance to accounting policies and procedures for budget agencies;
  • Support implementation of accounting systems, Chart of Accounts and render technical support to budget agencies;
  • Building capacity of Budget Agencies on accounting and reporting;
  • Monitor reporting compliance of Budget Agencies according to regularity laid out on financial regulations; and
  • Review reports and provide feedback to Budget Agencies.

2.Non-Current Assets and Inventory Directorate 

Main Function 

  • Non-Current Assets Acquisition, Recognition, Registration, and Accounting Treatment
  • Asset Verification, Inventory Control, Monitoring, and Reconciliation
  • Compliance, Reporting, and Asset Performance Management

This process establishes standardized procedures for the acquisition, recognition, registration, capitalization, and accounting of Government non-current assets and inventory within across public institutions. It provides a structured and accountable framework for asset management in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Government financial regulations, and public sector accounting requirements.

Effective acquisition and accounting of Government non-current assets and Inventory are essential for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strengthening public financial accountability, safeguarding Government resources, supporting audit readiness, improving operational efficiency, and promoting transparency in the management of public assets. Proper recognition and registration of assets further enhance the completeness and reliability of Government financial statements and facilitate effective monitoring, control, and management of public resources throughout their useful life.

The process applies to all Government non-current assets and inventory acquired, constructed, donated, transferred, or received by public institutions and serves as an operational guide for Public Sector Accounting Specialists, accountants, finance officers, inventory officers, procurement personnel, IFMIS users, and other stakeholders involved in Government asset acquisition and accounting processes.

3.IFMIS