International experiences in whole of government financial reporting: lesson-drawing for Spain

Abstract

This article focuses on whole of government accounts from a comparative perspective and identifies key lessons for Spain and other European countries with a continental accounting system. The authors examine the issues involved in whole of government financial reporting in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and North America. They conclude that whole public sector consolidated accounts are not currently feasible in Spain and that consolidation should start at each level of government.

Notes

∗In ESA (1995) control over a corporation is defined as the ability to determine general corporate policy by choosing appropriate directors, if necessary.