The department is guided by the following principles of public finance while executing its mandates:
- Openness and accountability, including public participation in financial matters.
- Promoting an equitable society by the public finance system.
- The burdens and benefits of the use of resources and public borrowing shall be shared equitably between present and future generations.
- Public money shall be used in a prudent and responsible way.
- Financial management shall be responsible, and fiscal reporting shall be clear.
Based on these principles, the Director says that the department has been able to carry out its duties in; Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Reporting as well as Asset Management.
“We cover a wide range of activities from bookkeeping to providing information through financial statements that assist the County Assembly Service Board (CASB) in making strategic decisions,” says the Director.
The department is also responsible for managing the institution’s cash flow and ensuring that there are enough funds to meet day-to-day payments. He affirms that where there are cash needs beyond the day-to-day working capital, his department is responsible for advising accordingly and sourcing for shorter term financing.
The Director applauds her team for being dedicated to work, a move that has seen the department succeed in executing its duties citing the budgeting unit as an example.
Looking forward, the department will work hand in hand with the CASB to prepare the Assembly’s budgets and forecasts, and to report back on the progress against these in the succeeding financial years. He adds that this information can be used to plan staffing levels, asset purchases and expansions and cash needs before they become necessary.
“IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE SOME IDEA OF WHERE YOU WANT TO GO BEFORE YOU START GOING THERE,” HE CONCLUDES.