Practitioners' Guide

The guide can be downloaded as a single PDF file or as smaller separate files. Hard copies can be purchased at a price of £20 for members and £25 for non-members, plus £2 for postage. Contact us to place your order. It is available in English only due to the detailed technical nature of the document.

Click on the headings below to download the complete version or individual sections:

Complete Version

or

Part 1 - Overview
Introduction to the Practitioner's Guide
What does "Governance & Accountability" mean?
The Legal Framework for Local Councils in Wales
Roles & Responsibilities
The Annual Return

Part 2 - Governance for Local Councils
The Annual Governance Statement
Internal Controls or Checks and Balances
Internal Audit
Risk Assessment
Managing Investments
Making Payments

Part 3 - Accounting Guidance for Councils <£1 million
Format of Accounts - Receipts & payments or Income & Expenditure
Budget Setting & Monitoring
Routine Financial Procedures
Keeping the Cashbook
The Bank Reconciliation
Accounting for Fixed Assets
Accounting for Investments
Preparing the Statement of Accounts

Part 4 Accounting Guidance for Councils > £1 million
Proper Practices
General Requirements & Accounting Principles
The Statements of Accounts

Part 5 - The External Audit
Public Rights & The External Auditor's Responsibilities
External Audit for Smaller Councils with income & expenditure below £1 million
External Audit for Councils over the £1 million threshold

Appendices