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THE CITIZEN'S GUIDE

Understanding Government Financial Statements

  • Foreword from the CEO

  • 01. Introduction

  • 02. Understanding Government Financial Reports

  • 03. What the Government Owns and Owes (Statement of Financial Position)

  • 04. Money In and Money Out (Statement of Financial Performance)

  • 05. Where the Cash Went (Cash Flow Statement)

  • 06. How the Money Changed Over Time (Statement of Changes in Net Assets)

  • 07. Spending vs. Plan (Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts)

  • 08. Why Should a Citizen Care About These Reports?

  • Download Printable Guide (PDF)

Writer/Editor: Tsholofelo Tshoke I Contributing Editor: Name Surname I Contributing Writer: Tsholofelo Tshoke I Design: Okuhle Digital

THE CITIZEN’S GUIDE : Understanding Government Financial Statements

© 2025 by The Accounting Standards Board. All rights reserved.

THE CITIZEN’S GUIDE : Understanding Government Financial Statements

© 2026 by The Accounting Standards Board. All rights reserved.