Local fiscal administration encompasses five distinct core functions. In some
countries some may be undertaken by a national administration, while in
others they are local responsibilities. It is not apparent that one division of
responsibility for the functions is always superior to another. However, the
returns from local fiscal autonomy in terms of close responsibility to the local
population will be greater as more functions can be devolved to the locality.9
The core functions include budgeting, accounting, cash management, debt
administration, and revenue administration.10 Each should contribute to the
achievement of the overall expectations of fiscal discipline, responsive
resource allocation, and efficient operations, as well as to some specific
objectives for each function.
Although each function has its own processes and procedures, their
roles and operations are closely interrelated as part of fiscal administration.
For instance, the preparation, execution, and audit of budgets relies on the
government accounting system; revenue administration links closely with
cash management operations, as does execution of the adopted budget; and
debt management must be connected to budget planning and execution.
The operation of an independent local government hinges on the successful
operation of the systems that are components of fiscal administration. Each
is outlined here.