Finance

Learn the fundamentals of public sector finance, including appropriations, financial management and OBEGAL, an important fiscal indicator.

A cup of coffee next to a notepad showing graph with breakdown of budget, stack of coins, bag of money and pencil

Having a basic grasp on financial concepts is useful for all public servants particularly leaders.

Build you understanding on how public money is managed and how financial decisions are made within government. There are learning resources for non-finance users as well as finance professionals. Find learning that suits your level of financial knowledge.

Content on this page was produced by the Office of the Auditor General cross agency project team and from content provided by the Ministry of Education.

Elearning icon Appropriations 101

This introductory elearning is perfect for those new to the public sector or first-time cost centre managers. Learn what appropriations are, their definition, attributes and importance to public sector spending.

Appropriations 101 - A guide for non-finance users (this link opens in a new tab)

Elearning icon Public Sector Financial Management

This introductory elearning is for non-finance people needing to understand financial management or finance professionals new to the public sector. It covers financial frameworks, definitions of financial and fiscal terms and the government’s annual Budget cycle.
Duration: 15 minutes approximately.

Public Sector Financial Management (this link opens in a new tab)

Elearning icon Introduction to Operating Balance Before Gains and Losses (OBEGAL)

This elearning helps you understand the importance of Operating Balance Before Gains and Losses, and is targeted at financial advisors, and financial decision makers in the public service. OBEGAL is an important fiscal indicator that is closely scrutinised by the Government, media, credit rating agencies and other commentators when the Treasury publishes the Government’s actual and forecast financial statements. 

Introduction to Operating Balance Before Gains and Losses (OBEGAL) (this link opens in new tab)

Tools icon Finance Capability Framework

The Finance Capability Framework for Government finance Professionals is designed to help finance professionals with understanding the different capabilities required of them, and to help them with preparing career development plans.

The Finance Capability Framework for Government Finance Professionals (The Treasury)

Document icon Policy templates

Treasury has several financial policy templates that agencies can use as a guide. Agencies can use the templates in their entirety, in part, or just to refer to when updating their own policies.  To get a copy of the templates email governmentfinanceprofession@treasury.govt.nz

Templates available include:  

  • Capital Expenditure and Fixed Assets Policy
  • Cost Allocation Policy
  • Financial Delegation Policy
  • Koha Policy
  • Sensitive Expenditure Policy
  • Taxation Policy
  • Tax Governance and Tax Risk Management Framework