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THE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION AND

AUDIT ACT

FINANCIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Version 1

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE

January 1, 2017
The Ministry of Finance & Public Service (MOFPS) has overall responsibility for developing the Government’s
fiscal and economic policy framework; collecting and allocating public revenues and playing an important role
in the socio-economic development of the country in creating a society in which each citizen has every prospect
of a better quality of life.

Vision Statement

A Centre of Excellence that enables Sustainable Growth and Development through Sound Policy, Planning and
Quality Service Delivery.

Mission Statement

We combine professionalism and expertise in the pursuit of sound socio-economic and financial policies for the
achievement of sustainable growth and development.

Core Values

The Ministry's customer service will be built on the following values (FIT TEAM):

 F - Fairness
 I - Integrity
 T - Teamwork
 T - Transparency
 E - Excellence
 A - Accountability
 M - Mutual Respect

Priority Goals: Enabling growth and national development through a sound and predictable macroeconomic
policy framework that maintains low inflation, stable exchange rates and competitive interest rates;
Improving revenue administration by creating a simple, equitable, and competitive tax environment to ensure
greater compliance and enhance growth;
Strengthening the level of financial accountability, and efficiency of the Public Sector;
Strengthening the capacity of the Ministry to effectively regulate financial institutions and combat financial
crimes;
Improving the internal efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry.

MOF Desired Outcomes

The cumulative effort and resources will result in four (4) key outcomes:

 Stable Macro-Economy
 Effectively Regulated Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Financial Institutions
 Effectively Managed Public Funds
 Satisfied Clientele

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
1.1 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... 20
1.2 Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 21
2 MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 28
2.1 The Enabling Legal & Regulatory Framework .................................................................. 28
2.2 Financial Instructions .......................................................................................................... 29
2.3 Accounting and Accountable Officers ................................................................................ 30
2.3.1 Financial Secretary ...................................................................................................... 30
2.3.2 Accountant General ..................................................................................................... 30
2.3.3 Accounting Officer ...................................................................................................... 30
2.3.4 Accountable Officers ................................................................................................... 31
2.3.5 Principal Finance Officer............................................................................................. 31
2.4 Financial Oversight ............................................................................................................. 32
2.4.1 Internal Audit ............................................................................................................... 32
2.4.2 Audit Committee ......................................................................................................... 34
2.4.3 Public Accountability Inspectorate (PAI)................................................................... 34
2.4.4 Auditor- General ......................................................................................................... 35
2.4.5 Public Accounts Committee (PAC)............................................................................ 36
2.4.6 Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC ................................. 36
2.5 Establishment and Closure of Ministry, Department and Agency ...................................... 37
2.5.1 Establishment of Ministry, Department and Agency ................................................. 37
2.5.2 Closure of Ministry, Department and Agency............................................................ 38
2.6 Financial Misconduct ........................................................................................................ 39
2.6.1 Surcharge ..................................................................................................................... 39
2.6.2 Authority to Surcharge ............................................................................................... 39
2.6.3 Reporting Activities Liable to Surcharge ................................................................... 39
2.6.4 Surcharge Proceedings ............................................................................................... 39
2.6.5 Remedy for Person Surcharged .................................................................................. 40
2.6.6 Notification of Surcharge ............................................................................................. 40
2.6.7 Recovery of Amount Surcharged ................................................................................. 40
3 BUDGET MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................................................... 41
3.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework ............................................................... 41
3.2 Financial Instructions ......................................................................................................... 45
3.3 Financial Year/Fiscal Year ................................................................................................. 45
3.4 Budget Call ......................................................................................................................... 45
3.5 Preparation of Expenditure and Revenue Estimates .......................................................... 47
3.6 Supplementary Estimates ................................................................................................... 48
3.7 Reallocation (Virement) ..................................................................................................... 48
4 TREASURY MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 50
4.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework ................................................................ 50
4.2 Financial Instructions ......................................................................................................... 53
4.3 The Consolidated Fund ...................................................................................................... 53
4.3.1 Purpose of the Consolidated Fund .............................................................................. 54
4.3.2 Custody of the Consolidated Fund ............................................................................. 54
4.3.3 Withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund .................................................................. 54
4.3.4 Repayment of Amounts due to Consolidated Fund through Warrant ........................ 54
4.3.5 Operation of the Consolidated Fund ........................................................................... 54
4.4 Other Funds ........................................................................................................................ 54
4.4.1 Contingencies Fund .................................................................................................... 54
4.4.2 Trust Funds ................................................................................................................. 54
4.4.3 Treasury Deposits ....................................................................................................... 55
4.4.4 Revenue Bank Account .............................................................................................. 55
4.5 Central Treasury Management System (CTMS) ................................................................ 55
4.5.1 CTMS Definition ........................................................................................................ 55
4.5.2 Centralised Payments ................................................................................................. 55
4.5.3 CTMS Web Portal ...................................................................................................... 56
4.5.4 Central Payment Account (CPA) ............................................................................... 56
4.5.5 Treasury Single Account (TSA) ................................................................................. 56
4.5.6 Taxpayer Registration Number and Bank Account .................................................... 57
4.5.7 Foreign Exchange Payments ...................................................................................... 57
4.5.8 Appropriations-in-Aid ................................................................................................ 58
4.5.9 Surrender of Balances to Consolidated Fund ............................................................. 58
4.6 Uniformed Chart of Accounts ............................................................................................. 58
5 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ............................................................................................................................... 59
5.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .............................................................. 59
5.2 Financial Instructions ........................................................................................................ 59
5.3 Receipt of Public Money ................................................................................................... 60
5.3.1 Responsibility for Collection of Revenue .................................................................. 60
5.3.2 Revenue Bank Account .............................................................................................. 60
5.3.3 Responsibility of Principal Receivers of Revenue and Accounting Officers ............. 60
5.3.4 Official Revenue Receipts .......................................................................................... 61
5.3.5 General Receipt Book ................................................................................................. 61
5.3.6 Special Receipts .......................................................................................................... 62
5.3.7 Computer Generated Receipts .................................................................................... 62
5.3.8 Preparation of Receipts ............................................................................................... 62
5.3.9 Cancellation of Receipt .............................................................................................. 63
5.3.10 Acceptance of Cheques ............................................................................................ 63
5.3.11 Criteria for Acceptance of Cheques.......................................................................... 64
5.3.12 Stale-dated Cheques ................................................................................................. 64
5.3.13 Dishonoured Cheques ............................................................................................... 64
5.3.14 Cash Cheques ........................................................................................................... 64
5.3.15 Bills of Exchange...................................................................................................... 65
5.3.16 Credit and Debit Cards ............................................................................................. 65
5.3.17 Foreign Currency Card ............................................................................................. 65
5.3.18 Daily Reconciliation of Point of Sale [Debit/Credit Cards Collection) ................... 66
5.3.19 Registered Mail......................................................................................................... 66
5.3.20 The Value Book ........................................................................................................ 67
5.3.21 Uncollected Revenue ................................................................................................ 67
5.3.22 Miscellaneous Revenue ............................................................................................ 67
5.3.23 Appropriations-in-Aid .............................................................................................. 67
5.3.24 User Fees .................................................................................................................. 68
5.4 Lodgement of Public Money ............................................................................................. 68
5.4.1 Lodgement and/or Disposal of Amounts Collected .................................................... 68
5.4.2 Auditor’s Seal on Safe ................................................................................................ 69
5.5 Official Bank Account ...................................................................................................... 69
5.5.1 Authority to Open Bank Account ............................................................................... 69
5.5.2 Request for Approval to Open an Official Bank Account ........................................... 69
5.5.3 Project Bank Accounts ................................................................................................ 70
5.5.4 Replacement Bank Accounts ....................................................................................... 70
5.5.5 Transfer of an account between Branches ................................................................... 70
5.5.6 Bank Account Approval .............................................................................................. 71
5.5.7 Change in Signatories .................................................................................................. 71
5.5.8 Closure of Bank Accounts ........................................................................................... 71
5.5.9 Bank Overdraft ........................................................................................................... 71
5.5.10 Reconciliation of Bank Account............................................................................... 72
5.6 Imprest ............................................................................................................................... 72
5.6.1 Request for Approval to Operate Bank Imprest ......................................................... 72
5.6.2 Requests for Approval to Operate Petty Cash and Other Cash Imprests ................... 72
5.6.3 Imprest at the End of the Financial Year .................................................................... 72
5.6.4 Procedures for Termination of Petty Cash and Other Cash Imprests ......................... 73
5.7 Payment of Public Moneys ............................................................................................... 73
5.7.1 Disbursement Policy .................................................................................................. 73
5.7.2 Certification and Approval ......................................................................................... 73
5.7.3 Delegated Payment Functions ................................................................................... 74
5.8 Commitment Planning and Control................................................................................... 74
5.8.1 Commitment System ................................................................................................. 74
5.8.2 Authority to Commit Public Funds ............................................................................ 74
5.8.3 Types of Commitments .............................................................................................. 75
5.8.4 Commitment Manual .................................................................................................. 75
5.9 Payment of Public Moneys ............................................................................................... 76
5.9.1 Payment Voucher ....................................................................................................... 76
5.9.2 Unauthorised Payment ................................................................................................. 79
5.9.3 Improper payments .................................................................................................... 79
5.9.4 Disciplinary Action for Unauthorised/Improper Payment ......................................... 79
5.9.5 Notification of Payment.............................................................................................. 79
5.9.6 Cash Payment Limit ................................................................................................... 79
5.9.7 Receipts from Payments ............................................................................................. 79
5.10 Control of Cheques.......................................................................................................... 80
5.10.1 Cheque Inventory ..................................................................................................... 80
5.10.2 Writing of Cheques ................................................................................................... 80
5.10.3 Alteration of Cheques ............................................................................................... 80
5.10.4 Crossing Cheques ..................................................................................................... 80
5.10.5 Cheque Signing......................................................................................................... 80
5.10.6 Cancelled Cheques ................................................................................................... 81
5.10.7 Lost Cheque .............................................................................................................. 81
5.10.8 Unclaimed Cheque ................................................................................................... 81
5.10.9 Stale Dated Cheques ................................................................................................. 81
5.10.10 Destruction of Unused Cheques ............................................................................. 82
5.11 Confidential Expenditure ................................................................................................ 83
5.12 Government Funded Credit Card .................................................................................... 84
5.12.1 Authority for Use ...................................................................................................... 84
5.12.2 Application for Credit Card ...................................................................................... 84
5.12.3 Types of Government Funded Credit Cards ............................................................. 85
5.12.4 General Credit Cards (GCC) .................................................................................... 85
5.12.5 Individual Credit Cards (ICC) .................................................................................. 85
5.12.6 Credit Limit ............................................................................................................. 85
5.12.7 Use of Credit Card ................................................................................................... 86
5.12.8 Credit Card Bills ....................................................................................................... 87
5.12.9 Credit Card Monitoring and Control ........................................................................ 87
5.12.10 Validation and Safekeeping .................................................................................... 87
5.12.11 Suspension, Transfer and Termination of Card ...................................................... 87
5.12.12 Lost or Stolen Cards ............................................................................................... 88
5.12.13 Penalties .................................................................................................................. 88
5.13 Payroll Disbursements and Allowances .......................................................................... 88
5.13.1 Monthly Payments .................................................................................................... 88
5.13.2 Weekly/Fortnightly Paid Wages ............................................................................... 89
5.13.3 Salaries Paid by Accountant General ....................................................................... 90
5.13.4 Payroll Changes ........................................................................................................ 90
5.13.5 Closed Period for Changes ....................................................................................... 90
5.13.6 Out of Time Payment ............................................................................................... 90
5.13.7 Leave Salary Paid in Advance ................................................................................. 90
5.13.8 Payroll Register ....................................................................................................... 91
5.13.9 Salaries Control Register: ......................................................................................... 91
5.13.10 Balancing Payroll Register ..................................................................................... 91
5.13.11 Funding of Salaries Bank Account & CPPS .......................................................... 91
5.13.12 Pensions and Allowances ....................................................................................... 91
5.13.13 Statutory and Other Deductions ............................................................................. 91
5.13.14 Statutory Deductions Payable Form ...................................................................... 92
5.13.15 Deposit of Net Pay................................................................................................. 93
5.13.16 Irrevocable Order .................................................................................................... 93
5.13.17 Financial Institutions added to GOJ List of Approved Salary Deduction entities . 94
5.13.18 Salary Overpayment ............................................................................................... 94
5.13.19 Salary in Advance ................................................................................................... 95
5.13.20 Recovery of Debt .................................................................................................... 95
5.14 Communication – Human Resource, Salaries Unit and Section Head .......................... 95
5.15 Travelling Allowance ..................................................................................................... 96
5.15.1 Motor vehicle Documents ........................................................................................ 96
5.15.2 Motor vehicle Not Owned by Travelling Officer ..................................................... 98
5.15.3 Travelling Claims ..................................................................................................... 99
5.15.4 Loss or Disposal of Motor vehicle ......................................................................... 100
5.15.5 Motor vehicle Out of Service ................................................................................. 100
5.15.6 Partially and Fully Maintained Motor vehicles ...................................................... 101
5.15.7 Travel Register ....................................................................................................... 101
5.16 Reimbursement of Toll Charges ................................................................................... 101
5.16.1 Officers to be Reimbursed ...................................................................................... 101
5.16.2 Requests for Reimbursement .................................................................................. 101
5.16.3 T-Card (Toll Card).................................................................................................. 102
5.17 Human Capital Management Enterprise System (HCMES) ......................................... 102
6 PUBLIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................... 103
6.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .............................................................. 103
6.2 Financial Instructions ........................................................................................................ 104
6.3 Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 104
6.4 Common Governance Framework for Public Investment................................................ 105
6.4.1 Authority to Commit to Undertake a Public Investment Project ............................... 105
6.4.2 One Entry Point for Public Investment Project Proposals ........................................ 105
6.4.3 Full Disclosure on all Expenditure Related to the Public Investment Project .......... 106
6.4.4 An Established Process for Inclusion in the PSIP .................................................... 107
6.4.5 Justification for Continued Inclusion in the PSIP .................................................... 107
6.4.6 Responsibility of MDAs to Provide Timely and Credible Information ................... 108
6.4.7 Rigorous Review of All Project Proposals ............................................................... 108
6.4.8 Results-Based Monitoring & Evaluation .................................................................. 108
7 ASSETS AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................... 109
7.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .............................................................. 109
7.2 Financial Instructions ........................................................................................................ 110
7.3 Asset Management ............................................................................................................ 111
7.3.1 Maintenance of Asset ............................................................................................... 111
7.3.2 Nature of Inventory Record ...................................................................................... 111
7.3.3 Insurance of Government Property........................................................................... 111
7.3.4 Physical Verification ................................................................................................ 112
7.3.5 Annual Status Report on Fixed Assets ..................................................................... 112
7.3.6 Sale of Government Property ................................................................................... 112
7.3.7 Furniture and Equipment .......................................................................................... 112
7.3.8 Security of Accounting Machinery, Equipment and Records .................................. 113
7.3.9 Transfer of Furniture Office Machine and Equipment .............................................. 113
7.3.10 Inventory Management ........................................................................................... 113
7.3.11 Government Owned Motor Vehicles ...................................................................... 113
7.4 Accidents Involving Government-Owned Motor Vehicles .............................................. 114
7.4.1 Duties of Driver re: Accident .................................................................................... 114
7.4.2 Duties of Transport Manager re: Accident .............................................................. 114
7.4.3 Submission to Legal Officer ..................................................................................... 115
7.4.4 Submission to Accounting Officer ............................................................................ 115
7.4.5 Submission to Attorney General............................................................................... 115
7.4.6 Submission to the Financial Secretary/Auditor-General ........................................... 115
7.4.7 Submission of Claim to Insurers .............................................................................. 115
7.4.8 Liability of Government Drivers/Transport Manager .............................................. 116
7.5 Hiring or Rental of Motor Vehicles .................................................................................. 116
7.6 Sanction for Breach of Motor Vehicle Policy ................................................................... 117
7.7 Loss of Public Property ..................................................................................................... 117
7.7.1 Reporting Loss .......................................................................................................... 117
7.7.2 Suspected Theft or Fraud .......................................................................................... 117
7.7.3 Loss permitted for Write off ..................................................................................... 117
7.7.4 General Conditions for Write off of Losses ............................................................. 118
7.7.5 Loss to be Written off by Accounting Officers ........................................................ 118
7.7.6 Loss to be Written off by Financial Secretary .......................................................... 120
7.7.7 Loss to be Written off by Minister ........................................................................... 120
7.7.8 Loss to be Written off by Cabinet ............................................................................ 120
7.7.9 Accounting Treatment for Writing off of Loss ........................................................ 120
7.8 Loans and Advances to Public Officers ............................................................................ 121
7.8.1 Motor Vehicle Loan................................................................................................... 121
7.8.2 Motor Vehicle Repair Loan ...................................................................................... 121
7.8.3 Miscellaneous Loan .................................................................................................. 121
7.8.4 Computer Loan ......................................................................................................... 121
7.8.5 Terms and Conditions for Loans .............................................................................. 122
7.8.6 Salary Advance ......................................................................................................... 122
7.8.7 Recovery of Public Officers Loans and Advances .................................................. 122
7.9 Departmental Advances .................................................................................................. 122
7.9.1 Departmental Advance Definition ........................................................................... 122
7.9.2 Expenditure Definition ............................................................................................. 123
7.9.3 Sub-classification of Expenditure .............................................................................. 123
7.9.4 Classification of Advances ......................................................................................... 123
7.9.5 Advancee vs Payee .................................................................................................... 124
7.9.6 Clearing Current Year Advances .............................................................................. 124
7.9.7 Advance Receipts ..................................................................................................... 125
7.9.8 Carrying Forward Advances ..................................................................................... 125
7.9.9 Clearing Prior Year Advances .................................................................................. 126
7.9.10 Loss Transferred To Advances .............................................................................. 126
7.9.11 Departmental Advances of Closed MDA ............................................................... 126
7.9.12 Salary In Advance (Vacation Leave)..................................................................... 126
7.9.13 Write off of Departmental Advances...................................................................... 126
7.10 MOF Contingencies Provision Advance ......................................................................... 127
7.11 Contingencies Fund Advance.......................................................................................... 128
7.12 Treasury Deposits Advance .......................................................................................... 128
7.13 Overseas Travel Advance.............................................................................................. 129
8 ACCOUNTINGAND REPORTING ........................................................................................................................... 131
8.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .............................................................. 131
8.2 Financial Instructions ........................................................................................................ 133
8.3 Assignment of Government Accounting and Book-Keeping Responsibilities ................. 133
8.4 Basis of Accounting .......................................................................................................... 134
8.5 The Computerisation of Government Accounting System ............................................... 134
8.6 Government Accounting Structure.................................................................................... 135
8.7 Books of Accounts – Ministries Departments .................................................................. 135
8.7.1 Cash Book.................................................................................................................. 135
8.7.2 Petty Cash Book ........................................................................................................ 135
8.7.3 MDA General Ledger- Voted & Statutory ............................................................... 136
8.7.4 MDA General Ledger – Departmental Deposits ..................................................... 137
8.7.5 MDA General Ledger – Miscellaneous Revenue ..................................................... 137
8.7.6 PRR General Ledger – Revenue Accounts.............................................................. 137
8.7.7 Fixed Asset Register ................................................................................................ 138
8.7.8 Other Registers ......................................................................................................... 139
8.8 Imprest Accounts.............................................................................................................. 139
8.8.1 Imprest Operation ..................................................................................................... 139
8.8.2 Imprest at the End of the Financial Year ................................................................. 140
8.9 Outstation Accounts ......................................................................................................... 140
8.10 Fund Accounts................................................................................................................ 140
8.11 Revenue Accounts .......................................................................................................... 141
8.11.1 Accounting for Revenues ....................................................................................... 141
8.11.2 Responsibility for Collecting and Accounting for Revenue ................................... 141
8.12 Statutory Heads Accounts ............................................................................................. 141
8.12.1 Statutory Heads Definition ...................................................................................... 141
8.12.2 Responsibility for Preparation of Monthly Statutory Heads Accounts .................. 141
8.12.3 Responsibility for Preparation of Annual Statutory Heads Accounts .................... 142
8.13 Project Accounts ............................................................................................................. 142
8.13.1 Project Accounts to be maintained ......................................................................... 142
8.14 Externally Funded Projects(EFP) Accounts ................................................................... 142
8.14.1 Definitions- EFP .................................................................................................... 142
8.14.2 Budget & Warrant for Externally Funded Projects ................................................ 143
8.14.3 Accounting Procedures- Externally Funded Projects ............................................. 143
8.15 Supporting Records (Vouchers) ...................................................................................... 145
8.15.1 Purpose and Nature of Vouchers ............................................................................. 145
8.16 Records Management .................................................................................................... 145
8.16.1 Responsibility for Records Management ............................................................... 145
8.16.2 Destruction Schedule .............................................................................................. 146
8.16.3 Jamaica Archives ...................................................................................................... 146
8.16.4 Disposal of Records ................................................................................................ 146
8.17 Financial Reporting .................................................................................................. 146
8.17.1 The Purpose and Qualities of Financial Statements ............................................... 146
8.17.2 Deadline for Submission of Financial Reports ....................................................... 147
8.17.3 Financial Reports – General Conditions ................................................................. 147
8.17.4 MDA’s Monthly Financial Reports ........................................................................ 148
8.17.5 MDAs’ Quarterly Financial Reports ...................................................................... 148
8.17.6 MDAs’ Annual Financial Statements ...................................................................... 149
8.17.7 PRRs’ Monthly & Annual Revenue Financial Statements ..................................... 149
8.17.8 Accountant General’s Annual Financial Statement................................................ 150
8.17.9 Statements to be tabled by the Minister of Finance................................................ 151
8.18 MDAs’ Ratings re Timely Preparation & Submission of Financial Statements ........... 152
8.19 Electronic Bank Statement ............................................................................................ 153
9 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS ................................................................................................................................ 154
9.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .............................................................. 154
9.2 Financial Instructions ........................................................................................................ 154
9.3 Guidelines for the Acceptance of Gifts ............................................................................. 155
9.3.1 Condition for the Acceptance of Gifts ....................................................................... 155
9.3.2 Approval for Acceptance of Gifts ............................................................................. 155
9.4 Donation of Money .......................................................................................................... 155
9.5 Donation In-Kind .............................................................................................................. 156
9.6 Overpayment of Public Funds ........................................................................................... 156
9.6.1 Prevention and Detection of Overpayment ............................................................... 156
9.6.2 Discovery of Overpayment ........................................................................................ 156
9.6.3 Recovery of Overpayment ......................................................................................... 157
9.6.4 Irrecoverable Overpayment ....................................................................................... 158
9.6.5 Disputed Overpayment .............................................................................................. 158
9.6.6 Request for Waiver of Recovery .............................................................................. 159
9.6.7 Write-off of Overpayment ........................................................................................ 159
9.7 Payment of General Consumption Tax ............................................................................. 159
9.7.1 Who is to Pay GCT? ................................................................................................. 159
9.7.2 Registration as a Tax Withholding Entity (TWE) .................................................... 159
9.7.3 Issuing of WTC from the Jamaica Tax Portal .......................................................... 159
9.7.4 When to Issue the WTC? ......................................................................................... 160
9.7.5 Who is to Issue the WTC? ........................................................................................ 160
9.7.6 Failure to Issue WTC ................................................................................................ 160
9.7.7 The GCT Returns - Form 4F .................................................................................... 160
9.8 Investment of Public Funds ............................................................................................... 161
9.8.1 Investment Officer .................................................................................................... 161
9.8.2 Funds for Investment ................................................................................................ 161
9.8.3 Authorized Financial Institutions and Investments .................................................. 161
9.8.4 Investment Approval ................................................................................................. 162
9.8.5 Investment Interest .................................................................................................... 162
9.8.6 Accounting and Reporting of Investments ................................................................ 162
9.8.7 Investments by Public Bodies................................................................................... 162
9.9 Letter of Credit Facility ..................................................................................................... 162
9.10 Purchase of Fuel by Debit Cards ..................................................................................... 163
9.10.1 Authority for the System ......................................................................................... 163
9.10.2 Fuel Limit ............................................................................................................... 163
9.10.3 Budgetary Provision – Fuel & Service ................................................................... 164
9.10.4 Container Card ........................................................................................................ 164
9.10.5 Declined Transactions ............................................................................................ 164
9.10.6 Vehicle Odometers ................................................................................................. 165
9.10.7 Loss of Advance Card ............................................................................................ 165
9.10.8 Deactivation of Cards ............................................................................................. 165
9.10.9 Account Reconciliation ........................................................................................... 165
9.11 Use of Government Telephone ....................................................................................... 165
9.11.1 Personal Calls ......................................................................................................... 165
9.11.2 Identification of Private Calls ................................................................................ 165
9.11.3 Cost Recovery for Private Calls ............................................................................ 166
9.11.4 Collect Calls ........................................................................................................... 166
9.11.5 Overseas Calls ....................................................................................................... 166
9.11.6 Private Lines ........................................................................................................... 166
9.12 Use of Government Mobile Telephones ......................................................................... 166
9.12.1 Assignment of Mobile Telephones ......................................................................... 166
9.12.2 Procurement of CUG ............................................................................................. 167
9.12.3 Control of Mobile Telephones ............................................................................... 167
9.12.4 Disposal of CUG ................................................................................................... 169
9.13 Use of Government Laptop Computers .......................................................................... 169
9.13.1 Purchase of Laptops................................................................................................ 169
9.13.2 Assignment of Laptops .......................................................................................... 169
9.13.3 Maintenance of Laptop Assignment Register ....................................................... 170
9.13.4 Physical Care of Laptops ....................................................................................... 170
9.13.5 Repairs to Laptops ................................................................................................. 170
9.13.6 Licensed Software-Laptops .................................................................................... 171
9.13.7 Loss or Damage to Laptops .................................................................................... 171
9.13.8 Board of Survey -Laptops....................................................................................... 171
10 CASH-BASED IPSAS .................................................................................................................................................. 172
10.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework .......................................................... 172
10.2 Scope of Instruction10 .................................................................................................. 173
10.3 Definitions – Cash IPSAS ............................................................................................. 173
10.4 Relevant Cash Basis IPSAS Concepts .......................................................................... 175
10.4 Requirements of the Cash Basis IPSAS ........................................................................ 176
10.5 Cash Based IPSAS Financial Statements ...................................................................... 176
10.5.1 General Purpose Financial Statements .................................................................... 176
10.5.2 Information to be presented in the Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments ...... 176
10.5.3 Format of the Statement Cash Receipts and Payments ......................................... 177
10.5.4 Consolidated Statement of Receipts and Payments ............................................... 177
10.5.5 Operating Activities ............................................................................................... 178
10.5.6 Investing Activities ................................................................................................ 178
10.5.7 Financing Activities ............................................................................................... 178
10.6 Receipts and Payments for Capital B Projects .............................................................. 178
10.7 Departmental Advances re IPSAS ................................................................................ 178
10.8 Payments by Third Parties on Behalf of the Ministry, Department or Agency ............ 179
10.9 Cash IPSAS - Accounting Policies and Explanatory Notes .......................................... 179
10.10 Selection and Disclosure of Accounting Policies ....................................................... 179
10.11 General Conditions of Annual Financial Statement .................................................... 180
10.12 Information about the MDA and Consolidated Government ...................................... 180
10.13 Consistency of Presentation ........................................................................................ 180
10.14 Comparative Information ............................................................................................ 181
10.15 Identification of Financial Statements......................................................................... 181
10.16 Correction of Errors .................................................................................................... 181
10.17 Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................................................. 181
10.18 Consolidation Procedures ............................................................................................ 182
10.19 Consolidation Disclosures ........................................................................................... 182
10.20 Treatment of Foreign Currency Cash Receipts, Payments and Balances ................... 182
10.21 Calculating the Unrealized Gains or Losses ............................................................... 182
10.22 Budget Information in Financial Statements ............................................................... 183
10.22.1 Presentation of a Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts ............................ 183
10.23 Changes from Original to Final Budget ...................................................................... 183
10.24 Recipients of External Assistance ............................................................................... 183
10.24.1 External Assistance Received ............................................................................... 183
10.24.2 External Assistance Disclosure ............................................................................ 183
10.24.3 External Assistance to Central Government on behalf of lower tiers of
Governments ........................................................................................................................ 184
10.24.4 Undrawn External Assistance ............................................................................... 184
10.24.5 Receipt of Goods or Services ............................................................................... 184
10.24.6 Disclosure of Debt Rescheduled or Cancelled ..................................................... 184
10.24.7 Disclosure of Non-compliance with Significant Terms and Conditions .............. 184
APPENDICES........................................................................................................................................................................ 185
Appendix 1- Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments for MDAs ...................................... 186
Appendix 2- Notes to the Financial Statements Of MDAs: - ................................................ 189
Appendix 3- Consolidated Annual Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments .................... 192
Appendix 4 - Notes to the Consolidated Government Statement of Cash Receipts & Payments
................................................................................................................................................. 194
Appendix 5- Foreign Currency Account Cash Book ............................................................. 199
Appendix 6- Consolidated/Ministry Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts ............... 200
Appendix 7- Project Summary Receipts and Payments Statements ...................................... 201
Appendix 8- Project Detail Receipts and Payments Statements ............................................ 202
Appendix 9 - Procedure For Daily Reconciliation of Point of Sale (Debit/Credit Cards
Collections............................................................................................................................... 203
Appendix 10 - Approved Credit Card Ceilings ....................................................................... 204
Appendix 11- Preset Limits on Call For Government Mobile Telephone .............................. 205
Appendix 12- Authority for Write-Off of Loss of Public Money ........................................... 206
Appendix 13- Jamaica Public Investment Management System ............................................ 207
Appendix 14 -Document Retention Schedule ......................................................................... 208
Appendix 15- Point of Sale Reconciliation Statement ............................................................ 215
Appendix 16 -Acceptance of Gift Form .................................................................................. 216
Appendix 17- Statutory Deductions Payable Form................................................................. 217
Appendix 18- Mobile Telephone Register .............................................................................. 218
Appendix 19- Laptop Assignment Form ................................................................................. 219
Appendix 20- laptop Assignment Register ............................................................................. 221
Appendix 21- Declaration by Owner of Motor Vehicle Assigned to Travelling Officer ...... 222
Appendix 22- Declaration of Travelling Officer with Assigned Vehicle .............................. 223
Appendix 23 - Chauffeur’s Allowance Certificate ............................................................... 224
Appendix 24- Travel Register ................................................................................................ 225
Appendix 25- Transport Allowance Claim Form ................................................................... 226
Appendix 26- Quarterly Report on Losses Written Off .......................................................... 228
Appendix 27- Utility Register – Electricity , Water and Electricity ...................................... 229
Appendix 28- Private Telephone Call Register....................................................................... 231
Appendix 29- Rent Payable Register ...................................................................................... 232
Appendix 30 - Contract Register ............................................................................................ 234
Appendix 31- Voucher Forms ................................................................................................. 238
Appendix 32 MDA’s Monthly Financial Reports .................................................................. 264
Appendix 33 MDA’s Quarterly Financial Reports ............................................................... 280
Appendix 34 – MDA Annual Financial Reports ..................................................................... 287
Appendix 35 Revenue Financial Statements ......................................................................... 293
Appendix 36 T-Card Register ............................................................................................... 303
Appendix 37 – Requirements for addition to the Government List of Financial Institutions for
which Salary Deduction Orders are accepted ......................................................................... 304
INDICES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 305
1 INTRODUCTION
January 1, 2017

The Constitution of Jamaica and the Financial Administration and Audit Act lay down the basic
principles for the management of public moneys.

The Financial Instructions (FIs) have been established in order to improve and clarify the
standards of financial control within Government. It is developed to be consistent with the
Financial Administration and Audit Act, Financial Management Regulations and international
best practices. The FIs will assist in providing appropriate levels of management and
governance of public finance.

In the management of public funds there must be probity, economy, accountability and
transparency. These FIs are intended to ensure that financial transactions are properly recorded
and reported on a consistent basis and that the appropriate controls are in place.

The FIs will inform the minimum standard for financial controls in all Ministries, Departments
and Agencies and where applicable to public bodies that are funded from the Consolidated Fund.
Accounting Office may in accordance with section 24F of the FAA Act issue written
instructions to other accountable officers to meet their specific needs. However, these
instructions shall not be in conflict with the FIs herein or contravene any other related legislation.

Special mention must be made of the Instructions relating to the Public Investment Management
System (PIMS) that have been implemented by Government and the Cash Basis International
Public Sector Accounting Standards that have been adopted for the preparation and reporting of
the accounts in Ministries and Departments. These are included to provide a reference to the
established procedures and standards; however, detailed information can be sourced from the
Government of Jamaica Public Investment Management System Operational Guidelines and the
Cash Basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards published by the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards Board.

Implementation of the provisions of the FAA Act, and any instructions and regulations issued
thereunder, is the responsibility of each Accounting Officer appointed under Section 16 of the
FAA Act, in the manner set out in his/her letter of appointment. Accounting Officers have a
responsibility to ensure that the FIs are brought to the attention of all public officers under their
control and that there is access and compliance to the prescribed policies and procedures.
Accounting Officers must ensure that financial systems and procedures for which they are
responsible are operating in accordance with appropriate internal controls and governance
frameworks.

Government employees have a responsibility to read, interpret and consistently apply the FIs in
their daily operations. It is necessary for all officers that have a fiduciary duty for government
funds/assets to understand the relevant FIs and to seek clarification or interpretation where there
is doubt.

17
Public officers must be made fully aware of the legal and constitutional framework within which
the Government of Jamaica operates, and of the instructions and regulations issued, in order that
their duties may be adequately performed in strict compliance therewith.

The previous Instructions of 1977 issued under the Financial Administration and Audit Act are
hereby rescinded.

Everton McFarlane
Financial Secretary

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Effective Date
The FIs become effective on January 1, 2017.

Legal Authority
The FIs are issued under the authority of the Financial Secretary in accordance with Section 51
of the Financial Administration and Audit Act.

Application
The FIs are applicable to the operations of all Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Public
Bodies which are funded from the Consolidated Fund.

Amendment of FIs
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will review the FIs annually. However, where it becomes
necessary to revise a FI because of a change of policy before the prescribed period, the FI will be
updated and this information communicated to stakeholders via an advisory or published on the
website of the Ministry of Finance:http://www.mof.gov.jm

Interpretation
The Ministry of Finance must be contacted for clarification where there is need for such
clarification.

Departure from Financial Instructions


Permission must be sought in writing and approval obtained in writing from the Ministry of
Finance to depart from these Financial Instructions.

Notification of Breaches
The Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General must be advised immediately of breaches of the
FIs.

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1.1 Acronyms

ACHS Automated Clearing House System


AG Accountant General
AGD Accountant General’s Department
AIA Appropriation in Aid
AuG Auditor-General
AuGD Auditor-General’s Department
BOJ Bank of Jamaica
CAE Chief Audit Executive
CCP Consolidated Cash Plan
CIF Client Information Form
CPA Central Payment Account
CTMS Central Treasury Management System
FAA Act Financial Administration and Audit Act
FI Financial Instructions
FMR Financial Management Regulations
FPP Fiscal Policy Paper
GCC General Credit Card
GPFS General Purpose Financial Statements
ICC Individual Credit Card
IPSAS International Public Sector Accounting Standards
HRMD Human Resource Management Division
JCA Jamaica Customs Agency
MDAs Ministries Departments and Agencies
MoF Ministry of Finance
NHT National Housing Trust
PAAC Public Administration and Appropriation Committee
PAC Public Accounts Committee
PAI Public Accountability Inspectorate
PBMA Act Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act
PCE Project Concept Evaluation
PIMC Public Investment Management Committee
PIMS Public Investment Management System
PFO Principal Finance Officer
PPP Public Private Partnership
PSIP Public Sector Investment Programme
RTGS Real Time Gross Settlement System
TAJ Tax Administration Jamaica
TRN Taxpayer Registration Number
TSA Treasury Single Account
TWE Tax Withholding Entity
UEOI Unsolicited Expression of Interest
USP Unsolicited Proposal

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1.2 Definitions

References in these instructions to a department include references to a ministry. In these


instructions, unless the context otherwise determines the following terms have been used as
described:

“Accountable Officer” is any public officer including an “Accounting Officer” concerned


in/or responsible for the collection, receipt, custody, issue or payment of public moneys or
other public property.

“Accounting” is the system of identifying, classifying, summarising and recording business


and financial transactions and analysing, verifying, interpreting, and communicating financial
information.

“Accounting Records” are all of the documentation and books involved in the preparation of
financial statements or records relevant to audits and financial reviews. Accounting records
include records of assets, monetary transactions, ledgers, registers, journals and any supporting
documents such as cheques and invoices

.“Accounting Officer” is any person designated as such by the Minister pursuant to Section 16
of the Act and charged with the duty of accounting for any expenditure on any service in
respect of which moneys have been appropriated under the Financial Administration and Audit
Act or any other enactment.

“Accounting Policies” the specific principles, bases, conventions, rules and practices applied
by an entity in preparing and presenting financial statements.

“Accrual Accounting” is a system of accounting based on the accrual principal, under which
revenue is recognized(recorded)when earned, and expenses are recognized when incurred
regardless of whether cash is received or paid.

“The Act” is the Financial Administration and Audit Act.

“Advance” an suthorised loan from (or to) one part of the public sector to (or from) another or
any authorised payment made by an entity for goods and services to be received in due course.

“Annual Budget” means an approved budget for one year.

“Appropriation” is an authorization voted by Parliament, allocating funds to ministries,


departments and agencies for a financial year..

“The Appropriation Bill” is a Bill tabled in Parliament containing the sums to be voted and
approved by Parliament for expenditures of ministries, departments and agencies including
Appropriations-in-Aid for specific fiscal year.
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“The Appropriation Act” otherwise called the “budget law” is the voted provision passed by
the Houses of Parliament.

“Appropriations-in-Aid” means any revenue which a department collects in


the ordinary course of business which have been approved by Parliament to be used by the
department;“Assets” are resources controlled by an entity as a result of past events and from
which future economic benefits or service potential are expected to flow to the entity.

“Automated Communications Device” means a computer programme or an electronic or


other automated device used to initiate or respond to electronic communications in whole or in
part, without review or action by an individual.

“Budget” is a document presenting the government's proposed revenues and spending for a
financial year that is passed by Parliament.

“Budget Call” means written instructions issued by the Minister to departments for the
submission of proposals for their budgets, corporate plans and operational plans in respect of
the ensuing financial year;“

Budget Execution is the process by which the financial resources made available to
Ministries, Departments and Agencies are directed and controlled toward achieving the
purposes and objects for which the budget was approved. This shall be done in accordance
with laws, regulations, instructions and established policies and procedures.

“Capital Budget or Capital Expenditure” is expenditure for acquisition of land, intangible


assets, and non-financial assets, or for permanent structures and major purchases to be used for
more than one year in the process of production. All expenditures which are not capital are
"current".

“Capital A Budget” is a budget approved by Parliament to enable a ministry to undertake


projects designed to effect social, economic or infrastructural development of the country
through the use of funds derived entirely from taxation.

“Capital B Budget” is a budget approved by Parliament to enable a ministry to undertake


projects designed to effect social, economic or infrastructural development of the country
through the use of funds derived jointly from taxation plus loans or grants from bilateral or
multilateral organisation(s).

“Cash Accounting” is an accounting method which records cash receipts, payments and
balances. The cash basis of accounting recognises transactions and events only when cash has
been received or paid.

22
“Central Treasury Management System” is a set of procedures, supported by automation,
which enables the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) to assume full responsibility of
cash management functions of Government.

“Collecting Officer” is any public officer to whom the duty of collection of public money has
been assigned.

“Commitment” means an obligation on the part of ministries/departments to pay for goods,


services or some civil works upon submission of a valid and authorised invoice or claim..

“The Consolidated Fund” is the Consolidated Fund established pursuant to Section 114 of the
Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council, 1962, and Part II Sections 3-5A of the Financial
Administration and Audit Act.

“Contingency Provision” is a provision approved by Parliament under the Ministry of Finance


Head of Estimates for making advances to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to allow
them to meet certain payments, such as salary revision which were not provided for in their
budget and which will be recovered by the Ministry of Finance when such funds are provided
in Supplementary Estimates to such ministries and departments..

“Corporate Plan” is a document which sets out clearly:-


(a) A Ministry’s objectives
(b) The means to achieve them, and
(c) The system of monitoring and evaluating the performance of the plan

“Data” includes: –
(a) any material stored in whatever form in an electronic communications system;
(b) the whole or part of a computer program; and
(c) a representation suitable for processing in an electronic communications system.

“Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless,


optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities, and references to carrying out any act
"electronically" shall be similarly construed.

“Electronic Certificate” means any record that:


(a) identifies the person or body that issues it;
(b) names or otherwise identifies the signatory or a device (including an automated
communications device) under the control of the signatory;
(c) specifies its operational period;
(d) is digitally signed by the person or body that issues it;
(e) contains a public key that corresponds to a private key under the control of the
originator of the electronic document to which the certificate relates; and
(f) specifies any other matter required to be specified under these Regulations.

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“Expenditure Clearing Accounts ”are bank accounts operated by ministries and departments
in commercial banks into which approved budgetary funds are lodged by the Accountant
General based on warrants issued by the Minister of Finance. These accounts except for
Executive Agencies have been replaced by the Central Payment Account operated by the
AGD under the Central Treasury Management System.

“External Auditors” mean the auditors of an organisation who are not under the direct or
indirect control of the organisation.

“Extra Budgetary Funds” Government transactions; often with separate banking and
institutional or legal arrangements that are not included in the Estimates of Expenditure.

“Fair value” is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled,
between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.

“Financial Reporting” is the process of producing statements that disclose a ministry,


department or agency’s financial performance and status.

“Financial Statements” are reports prepared by a ministry, department or agency to present


the financial performance and position of the entity at a point in time.

“Fund Accounts”are the accounts maintained for Revolving Funds, Special Funds or
Statutory Funds operated by a Ministry, Department or Agency.

“Government Company” is a company registered under the Companies Act, in which the
Government or any of its agencies by the holding of shares is in a position to direct the policy
of the company.

“Government Department” is a government entity that has autonomy over its budget,
accounting, personnel management etc. A Government department is authorised by Cabinet to
be established as such and is assigned a separate Head number in the Estimates of
Expenditure.

“Government Property” means land, buildings, furniture, equipment, fixtures, inventory,


stores, supplies, artifacts and other assets, both tangible and intangible, owned by the
Government

“Head of Estimates” means a budget approved by Parliament for a Ministry or Department.

“Imprest” is any bank account maintained whether in local or foreign currency as


 a subset or part of a principal bank account, or fund of a MDA.
 or any cash or other assets kept by an imprest holder under the control of a MDA.

“Inescapable Expenditure” means recurring expenses that cannot be avoided in the short term
example, salaries, fixed travel, rental, public utilities, food for institutions and the security

24
services, drugs for hospitals, petrol for security services and any other essential services,
contractual/nondiscretionary expenditure.

“Internal Audit” Internal audit is an independent management function, which involves a


continuous and critical appraisal of the functioning of an entity with a view to suggest
improvements thereto and add value to and strengthen the overall governance mechanism of
the entity, including the entity's strategic risk management and internal control system.

“Internal Control” Internal control are systems or processes designed to provide a


Reasonableassurance in achieving:
 Effective and efficient operations
 Reliable financial reporting and
 Compliance with laws and regulations

“Inventory” are assets:


 in the form of materials or supplies to be consumed in the production process;
 in the form of materials or supplies to be consumed or distributed in the rendering of
services;
 held for sale or distribution in the ordinary course of operations; or
 in the process of production for sale or distribution.
.
“Lease” is an agreement conveying the right from a lessor to a lessee to use the leased items
for a stated period of time in return for a series of payments by the lessee to the lessor.

“Market Value” is the price at which an asset could trade in an open competitive market.

“Miscellaneous Revenue” means any non-tax revenue item, such as user fees cost recoveries
etc. charged by departments for goods and services, the proceeds of which must be paid over or
lodged to an account held by the Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue.

“Minister” means the Minister of Finance.

“Non-Tax Revenue” means those revenues that do not constitute a tax, levy, licence or duty
e.g. postal revenue, dividends, interest, Departmental and Other Miscellaneous Revenue etc..

“Officer” or “Public Officer” is any person in the employment of the Government of Jamaica.

“Official receipt” means a receipt prescribed by the Financial Secretary for the collection of
public funds.

“Performance Reports” means reports designed to provide information on the achievement of


performance targets.

“Principal Receiver of Revenue” means the main officers charged with the duties
and responsibilities for collecting and accounting for revenue;

25
Public Moneys” mean:-
(a) Revenues and other receipts collected by MDAs for deposit to the Consolidated Fund
or for the operation of the business of Government;
(b) any trust or other moneys received and held, whether temporarily or otherwise, by a
MDA for the business of Government.

“Public Officials” include individuals having public official functions or acting in a public
official capacity and includes any of the following:
 Ministers of Government,
 Judges and the holder of any other judicial office,
 Civil Servants,
 Local Government Members and Officials,
 Members of statutory bodies and Government companies,
 The police, Correctional Officers and other Government security officers,
 Teachers, doctors, nurses and other health care personnel and
 any other official working in public institutions.

“Reconciliation” is the checking of one set of records with another.

“Revenue” means all tolls, taxes, imposts, rates, duties, penalties, forfeitures, rents and dues,
proceeds of sale and all other receipts of the Government from whatever source arising over
which Parliament has the power of appropriation.“

Recurrent Budget” means a budget for housekeeping expenditure approved by Parliament for
a Ministry, Department or Agency for a financial year..

“Special Funds” mean moneys (loans or grants) provided by funding Agencies (local or
international), to the Government of Jamaica for specific projects and deposited in specially
designated Bank Accounts in accordance with the terms of an Agreement.

“Supplementary Estimates” mean revision to the original approved budget passed by the
Houses of Parliament.

“Treasury Deposits” mean funds held by the Accountant-General pending repayment or


application to the purposes for which they were deposited as established by law or otherwise or
any other deposits of which the Accountant-General is the custodian (other than Trust Funds or
the balances of the Consolidated Fund and the Contingencies Fund).

“Treasury Single Account” is a concept of a unified structure of government bank accounts


under the control of the Accountant General that gives a consolidated view of Government
cash resources. It is a set of linked accounts through which the Government transacts its
receipts and payments.

26
“User Fees” are moneys collected by ministries and departments to cover the cost of certain
services; e.g. hospital fees; audit fees. Such fees, unless stipulated otherwise by Parliament, are
to be lodged to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue.

27
2 MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

2.1 The Enabling Legal & Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica:

Chapter VIII Finance:


Section 114 establishes the Consolidated Fund
Sections 120 to 122: refer to the role of the Auditor-General
II. Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as Amended 2015

Section 2 defines:
2(1) Accountable Officer, Accounting Officer, Audit Commission, Audit Committee, Consolidated
Fund Bank Account; Government Company, Public Body, Public Moneys and Revenue.
2(2) Reference in this Act to a department includes a Ministry and, except where the context
otherwise requires, a public body which is designated as an Executive Agency pursuant to the
Executive Agencies Act.
2(3) References in any enactment or instrument, in whatever terms to the "General Revenue" and to
its variations and cognate expressions shall be deemed to be references to the Consolidated Fund.
2(4) References in any enactment or in any instrument to "Revenue Commissioner" shall be deemed
to be references to the Minister.

Section 3 (6): establishes the role of the Accountant General:


The Accountant General shall have the management of the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account
and all Consolidated Fund Subsidiary Bank Accounts and the supervision, control and direction of all
matters relating to the operation of those accounts.

Part III Administration:


Section 15: refers to the Accountant General.
Section 16: refers to the Accounting Officers.
Sections 20 to 24: refer to Surcharge.
Sections 24A (4):Ministerial Oversight

Part IV Audit:
Sections 25 to 32:refer to the Auditor-General.
Sections 33 and 34:refer to Internal Audit.

Part VII General:


Section 49 details the functions of Accountable Officers

28
III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as Amended 2015

Part III Administration:


Regulations 23 – 27: provide for the appointment, etc. of Accounting Officers and Accountable Officers.

Part VI Loss of Public Property:


Regulation 90 :provides for procedures when a Criminal Offence has been committed;
Regulation 91: provides for Disciplinary Action.

Part VII Surcharge:


Regulations 110 – 112: provide for the imposition of surcharge and the procedures to be used.

Part VIII Government Property:


Regulations 113 – 144: provide for the management, control and sale of Government property.

Part IX Audit:
Regulations 142, 143, 147 to 149: provide for establishment and operations of audit functions:
Regulations144 to 146: cover Internal Audit Risk Management; and
Regulations 150 and 151: Internal Controls, Auditor-General.
IV. Fiscal Responsibility Framework Regulations (FRFRs) 2012, as amended 2015

Regulation 7
Section 7(1) provides that before any excess or supplementary expenditure may take place, the
Permanent Secretary generating the request for the expenditure shall submit a report to the Financial
Secretary.
Section 7(4) further identifies the role of the PAAC. The Financial Secretary shall send a report to the
Public Administration and Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, and the Financial
Secretary shall appear before the Committee as required to discuss the implications of the excess
expenditure
Section 14(1)provides that for the purposes of Part VII of the Act, the Auditor-General shall, in
accordance with this regulation, certify that a public body primarily carries out functions that are of a
commercial nature if the Auditor-General is satisfied that the public body meets the criteria that are set
out in the Schedule.

2.2 Financial Instructions


The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions regarding the above
Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous Instructions, Circulars listed at the end of this
document and or any other publication are considered incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is
covered in this document.

29
2.3 Accounting and Accountable Officers

2.3.1 Financial Secretary


(i) The Financial Secretary shall be the principal advisor to the Government on matters
pertaining to financial administration and public financial business and who is
responsible for:
(a) reporting to the Minister any Accounting Officer or Principal Receiver of Revenue
whose financial statements are consistently late in submission and are in arrears.
FMR, Regulation 71(3);
(b) the continuous improvement of financial and accounting systems throughout the
departments of Government;
(c) the establishment and issue of the Code of Conduct for Public Sector Accountants;
and
(d) ensuring that the mechanism for the collection of and accounting for public moneys
is satisfactory in principle and being complied with in practice.

2.3.2 Accountant General


(i) The chief function of the Accountant General is to maintain control of Government’s
finance. The Accountant General is responsible for management of the Treasury
including:
(ii) Management of the Consolidated Fund, Contingencies Fund, Extra Budgetary Funds
and any other Fund assigned by law or by the Minister of Finance and the Financial
Secretary.
(iii) Other responsibilities of the Accountant General include but not limited to:
(a) Management of Treasury Deposits;
(b) Payment of salaries and pensions to public officers;
(c) Payment of and recovery of loans to public officers;
(d) Management of the Central Treasury Management System; and
(e) Management of selected public assets and securities.
(iv) A key function of the Accountant General is the preparation and submission of
financial statements including the consolidated government General Purpose Financial
Statements.

2.3.3 Accounting Officer


(i) Accounting Officers shall be accountable to the Minister of Finance for the
administration of their departments and the management of their Votes.
(ii) Accounting Officers have a responsibility to appoint public officers as Accountable
Officers and to submit within thirty (30) days following the end of each financial year,
a list of these officers and their positions to the Financial Secretary.
(iii) Accounting Officers are responsible for designating Accountable Officers to sign
monthly financial statements.

30
(iv) Accounting Officers must sign the relevant appropriation, and other accounts for the
services assigned and in doing so, accept personal responsibility for the statements
accuracy, and completeness.
(v) Accounting Officers shall ensure that proper financial procedures are established and
followed and that accounting records are maintained in the prescribed manner.
(vi) Accounting Officers shall ensure that the public funds for which they are responsible
are properly managed and safeguarded, with independent and effective checks of cash
balances, stores, equipment and property of any kind.

2.3.4 Accountable Officers


(i) Accountable Officers are appointed by the Accounting Officers in accordance with
section 24F of the FAA Act. Copies of each letter of appointment must be submitted to
the Financial Secretary.
(ii) Accountable Officers are public officers with responsibilities for the collection, receipt,
custody, issue or payment of public monies or other public property in their ministry
and/or departments.
(iii) An officer though not formally appointed as an Accountable Officer may by nature of
his/her function and responsibility be construed to be an Accountable Officer.
(iv) An officer shall remain accountable for any act or omission made prior to their
separation from the responsibilities of an Accountable Officer in respect of the said
position.
(v) An appointment as Accountable Officer shall be automatically terminated upon:
(a) separation of duties by resignation, transfer, retirement, dismissal, etc.;
(b) conviction of a criminal offence;
(c) being declared bankrupt;
(d) becoming mentally incapacitated; and/or
(e) afflicted by a condition of substance abuse.

2.3.5 Principal Finance Officer


(i) The Principal Finance Officer (PFO) is an accountable officer as designated under
section 24(F) of the FAA Act and reports to the Accounting Officer.
(ii) The duties of the PFO include but not limited to, ensuring that:
(i) The work of the department is planned and carried out with due dispatch, having
regard to the policy laid down by the Government and the intentions of Parliament;
(ii) All expenditure or commitment incurred are within the limits of his Votes or other
authorised financial provisions and covered by adequate authority;
(iii) The FAA Act, FAA Act Regulations and FAA Instructions are adhered to and where
necessary that they are supplemented by other departmental instructions;
(iv) The department is organised with adequate and effective financial and accounting
controls to:
(a) allow for prompt collection of all dues to the Government;

31
(b) bring to account all monies received;
(c) authorise all commitments on behalf of the Government;
(d) supervise and examine all services and supplies rendered; and
(e) ensure the correct payment from public funds;
(v) An adequate system of internal check for receipts, payments and issues under their
control is maintained and tested from time to time;
(vi) Special arrangements are made to recover outstanding revenues, overpayments and
other amounts due to Government. .
(vii) Ensure that the relevant officer(s) assigned the task of recovery at (vi) submit a
report on a quarterly basis or as otherwise directed stating the unrecovered balance and
the actions being pursued to expedite their recovery;
(viii) Adequate systems for ongoing review and monitoring of investment projects during
implementation to ascertain financial and physical progress against set performance
objectives;
(ix) The activities of the department are undertaken with due regard to economy, efficiency,
propriety and integrity expected in the transaction of public business;
(x) Such information, statements and returns required by the Financial Secretary are
prepared correctly and submitted within the prescribed timelines;
(xi) Relevant support is provided to the Permanent Secretary when required to appear
before any Parliamentary Committee; and
(xii) Any other related financial duties delegated by the Accounting Officer and the
Financial Secretary.

2.4 Financial Oversight

2.4.1 Internal Audit


Accounting Officers are required to establish an Internal Audit Unit for examining accounting
systems, internal controls, risk management and governance processes of their departments.

2.4.1.1 Role and Function


(i) The Head of Internal Audit shall be called the Chief Audit Executive (CAE).
(ii) Internal Audit shall be:
(a) a staff function and shall not be involved in any way in the preparation of original data
or doing any other form of original work;
(b) an independent appraisal function established by management for the review of the
internal control system as a service to the organization;
(c) an advisory function, but has no authority to make or direct changes; and
(d) an objective function where their judgment is not subordinate to that of others on audit
matters.

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(iii) Internal Auditors shall be required to perform such functions as may be prescribed by
the Financial Secretary while carrying out duties assigned by the relevant Accounting
Officer and to submit quarterly reports and other reports as required to the Financial
Secretary and to the Audit Committee.
(iv) The functions of Internal Audit shall include the following:
(a) ascertaining the maintenance of an effective system of internal control and the
reliability of accounting and other records;
(b) ascertaining that that there is compliance with the laws, rules and regulations and
approved policies and management directives;
(c) examining financial operations and transactions;
(d) examining financial statements to verify adequacy and correctness of information to
management;
(e) ascertaining the effectiveness of control adopted in preventing and detecting waste,
idle capacity and extravagance in the use of resources;
(f) ascertaining the existence of adequate systems and procedures to safeguard assets and
stores from losses of all kinds;
(g) conducting special investigations in problem areas;
(h) reporting on inadequacies observed, and recommending corrective action;
(i) appraising the progress of works, schemes and projects and the extent to which
programmes and schedules are on target; and
(j) appraising the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls on the
organization's activities. (In the case of technical operations the Internal Auditor
appraises the quality of managerial controls and not the quality of technical
performance).

2.4.1.2 Access to Records


(i) The Internal Auditor shall have access to all records, books and documents relevant to
the internal audit functions.

2.4.1.3 Internal Auditor’s Report


(i) The Chief Audit Executive must submit a monthly report to the Accounting Officer
within five working days of the end of each month.
(ii) A report of the previous three months must be submitted to the Financial Secretary on a
quarterly basis. This report must also be copied to the Audit Committee and the Auditor
General. The Accounting Officer shall maintain an Internal Audit Report Register which
must detail when an Internal Audit Report was received, its recommendations and actions
taken.
(iii) The Internal Audit Report Register must be made available to both the Financial
Secretary and the Auditor General if requested.
(iv) Detailed guidelines for the performance of internal audit functions are outlined in the
GOJ internal Audit Manual promulgated by the Ministry of Finance.

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2.4.2 Audit Committee
(i) Audit Committee is an internal committee of the Ministry that reports to the Government
of Jamaica Audit Commission. It is charged with responsibility to assist the entity in its
oversight of the integrity of the financial statements, compliance with the relevant acts
and policies and the performance of the entity’s internal audit function and external
auditors.
(ii) The relevant Audit Committee Handbook, Revised Audit Committee Policy and section
33 of the FAA Act provide further details on the operation of Audit Committees.
(iii) Accounting Officers must ensure that there is an operational Audit Committee within
their Ministry.
(iv) The function of the Audit Committee is to act as a focal point for both internal and
external audits; and to ensure that audit reports and queries are dealt with promptly and
effectively.
(v) Audit Committee must ensure that the Accounting Officer is aware of areas of serious
weakness and that he/she takes the necessary action.
(vi) Accounting Officers must examine the Audit Committee’s meeting reports and its
Annual Report to identify reported areas of weak controls and institute such measures to
rectify same(See further information on Audit Committees, in the GOJ Audit Committee
Policy and Audit Committee Handbook:http://www.mof.gov.jm/documents/documents-
publications/document-centre/file/1341.html

2.4.3 Public Accountability Inspectorate (PAI)


(i) The PAI is a division of the Ministry of Finance which acts on behalf of the Minister to
inspect public offices. The PAI must be given access to all official books, documents and
other records necessary for the Minister to exercise his functions.
(ii) The role and function of the PAI is:
To examine public offices as directed by the Minister and the Financial Secretary;
(a) to inspect designated public offices, projects and programs for the purposes of
establishing that public funds and assets are being expended and utilized in the most
efficient, effective and economical manner and in accordance with the law and the
wishes of Parliament;
(b) to be directly responsible for ensuring that Accounting and Accountable officers
implement the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC);
(c) to assist the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) with its
function of :
(i) examining budgetary expenditure of Government agencies to ensure that
expenditure is done in accordance with parliamentary approval.
(ii) monitoring expenditure as it occurs and keeping the Parliament informed of how
the budget is being implemented.
(iii) enquiring into the administration of the Government to determine

34
(iv) hindrances to efficiency and to make recommendations to the Government for
improvement of public administration.
(d) to advise the Minister of the capacity and capability of any public sector entity, project
or program in undertaking any proposed large outlay of public funds.

2.4.4 Auditor- General


(i) The Auditor-General has a duty to ensure that the government expenditure is incurred with
due regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness and that there are effective systems in
place to achieve this.
(ii) The Auditor-General shall examine the accounts of ministries, departments and agencies
and shall give an opinion as to whether financial transactions comply with the applicable
financial reporting framework.

2.4.4.1 Auditor-General’s Report to Parliament


(i) The Auditor-General shall report to Parliament the results of his/her examination
annually by the 31st day of December following the end of the financial year.
(ii) The Auditor–General is required to indicate whether the conventions and assumptions
underlying the preparation of the Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP) comply with the principles of
prudent financial management and give an opinion on the reasonableness of the
justifications for deviations from the said targets outlined in the FPP.

2.4.4.2 Access to Records


(i) Accounting Officers are required to ensure that the Auditor-General, or an authorized
representative, have at all reasonable times, access to all books, records, vouchers,
documents, returns, reports, information storage devices, cash, stamps, securities, stores
or other Government property in the possession of any officer under his control.
(ii) The Auditor-General shall be entitled, at all reasonable times, to call upon any officer for
an explanation and information that may be required for an audit. The Auditor-General
may also require any Accounting Officer to present accounts of the transactions for which
that officer is responsible, up to such date as the Auditor-General may specify.

2.4.4.3 Auditor-General’s Queries


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Department must assign a senior officer with
responsibility to ensure that prompt action is taken to provide replies to all audit queries,
inspection reports and other observations.
(ii) Continuous dialogue must be maintained with the Auditor-General’s Department to
inform of the steps taken to implement the recommendations made and to settle
unresolved issues.
(iii) Accounting Officers must ensure that an Audit Query Register is kept in every
department showing:
(a) the date of receipt of all queries, feed-back and letters from the Auditor-General;
(b) the subject matter of the query;

35
(c) the date on which a reply was sent to the Auditor-General (this must be within 14
days of receipt); and
(d) the date on which the related recommendations were implemented.

2.4.4.4 Accounts of the Auditor-General’s Department


(i) The accounts of the Auditor-General’s Department shall be audited by the Minister with
responsibility for finance.

2.4.5 Public Accounts Committee (PAC)


(i) The annual report of the Auditor-General shall be examined by the Public Accounts
Committee (PAC) of the Houses of Parliament which is a select committee of the House of
Representatives.
(ii) The PAC has the duty of examining and reporting their recommendations on:
(a) the accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament to meet public
expenditure;
(b) such other accounts as may be referred to the Committee by the House or under any
law;
(c) the Report of the Auditor-General on any such accounts;
(d) all accounts and financial statements laid upon the Table of the House in respect of
Statutory Boards, Public Corporations and Public Companies in which the government
holds majority shares.
(iii) Accounting Officers may be summoned to appear before the Committee to answer
questions on points raised by the Auditor-General.
(iv) Officers attending the PAC must be sufficiently briefed on the proceedings of the
Committee and be adequately prepared to respond to questions raised.
(v) A report setting out the Audit Query and the response must be submitted by the Accounting
Officer at least three clear working days before appearance at the PAC sitting.
(vi) Accounting Officers are responsible for implementing the recommendations of the PAC.

2.4.6 Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC)


(i) The Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) is a select Committee
of Parliament which monitors and examines budgetary expenditure as it occurs and keep
the Parliament informed of how the budget is being implemented.
(ii) The PAAC has the duty of:
(a) examining and reporting their recommendation on budgetary expenditure of
Government agencies to ensure that expenditure is done in accordance with
parliamentary approval;
(b) monitoring expenditure as it occurs and keeping the Parliament informed on how
the Budget is being implemented; and
(c) enquiring into the administration of the Government to determine hindrances to
efficiency and to make recommendations to the Government for improvement of
public administration.

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(iii) Accounting Officers may be summoned to appear before the Committee to answer
questions on any budget related issue including the efficiency of systems for its
implementation.
(iv) Any officer so attending must be adequately prepared to respond to questions on issues
that may be raised from the PAAC deliberations and sufficiently briefed on the
proceedings of the Committee.
(v) Accounting Officers are responsible for implementing the recommendations of the
PAAC.

2.5 Establishment and Closure of Ministry, Department and Agency

2.5.1 Establishment of Ministry, Department and Agency


(i) The Cabinet Secretary on the advice of the Prime Minister shall issue documents on the
assignment of subjects, departments, agencies and other public bodies to be assigned to the
new ministry. The document shall also state the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of
the Ministry.
(ii) The Financial Secretary shall, on the advice of the Cabinet Secretary ensure that the name
of an appropriate accountable officer is submitted to the Minister for appointment as
Accounting Officer.
(iii) Based on the size, complexity, location and nature of business of a new ministry, the
Financial Secretary may require it to have its own accounting unit, or have its accounting
services performed by shared services (i.e. an Accounting Unit performing accounting
services for multiple ministries/departments).
(iv) Where a corporate accounting unit exists, the Accounting Officer for each client Ministry
shall maintain the same functions and has the same level of responsibility as that of an
Accounting Officer who has his/her own accounting unit.
(v) Where, on account of changes in subject areas of responsibility, the work load and
responsibility of a division, branch or unit has been increased or has been reduced, the
matter must be referred to the Ministry with responsibility for the Public Service for
determination of an appropriate structure.
(vi) Divisions, Units and other entities that have been reassigned or merged with another
ministry, department or agency shall be physically relocated only where absolutely
necessary to ensure integration and operational efficiency.
(vii) New ministries are required to obtain a Tax Registration Number, and NIS Employer’s
Number.
(viii) New ministries must submit application to the Ministry of Finance for approval of issue of
credit cards in accordance with Financial Instructions#3.
(ix) Where a new Ministry needs to purchase furniture, motor vehicle, and other capital goods,
this must be done with due regard to economy and within the constraint of the budget.

37
(x) Accounting Officers of new Ministries must ensure that Audit and Procurement
Committees are established as soon as the relevant Supplementary Estimates is passed by
the House.

2.5.2 Closure of Ministry, Department and Agency


(i) The Accounting Officer of the Ministry that takes over majority of the subjects of a closed
Ministry or Department shall be responsible for the following in respect of the closed
Ministry:
(a) preparation and submission of its final set of accounts and all outstanding prior year
accounts;
(b) reconciliation and closure of all its bank accounts and appropriate amounts to be
surrendered to the Consolidated Fund;
(c) collection of all amounts receivable;
(d) clearance or recovery of all outstanding advances;
(e) transfer of deposits held to the respective entities that now have responsibility for
operating such deposits;
(f) transfer of trust funds and any other funds to the respective entities that now have
responsibility for operating such trust or fund;
(g) stock of invoice order books and receipt books must be checked and reassigned to new
ministries through the use of proper handing over certificates;
(h) the proper disposal of all unused cheques, receipt book, invoice order book and any
other unused record in accordance with the Retention Schedule;
(i) submit an inventory of the ministry’s assets such as motor vehicles, office equipment,
furniture and a proposal for the transfer/reassignment of these assets;
(j) the arrangement for the proper disposal of all stores, fixed assets and other items of
inventory;
(k) termination, reconciliation and settlement of all credit cards;
(l) responding to all outstanding audit queries; and
(m) attend the Public Accounts Committee to answer any questions in respect of the closed
Ministry/Department.
(ii) Where no ministry takes over the subjects of the closed ministry, the Financial Secretary
shall be responsible for the above functions.
(iii) The budget of a closed ministry or department shall be adjusted, via Supplementary
Estimates to reflect the closure of ministry or department.
(iv) Warrant reflecting the changes in portfolio responsibilities, shall be issued as soon as the
relevant Supplementary Estimates have been approved by Parliament.
(v) Outgoing ministries must prepare and submit to the Ministry of Financewithin the
stipulated period, all relevant cash flow and expenditure schedules that are necessary for
assisting in the preparation of the warrant.
(vi) Ministries that have made payments in respect of subjects that have been transferred to
other ministries must treat these payments as advances.

38
(vii) Ongoing contracts or contracts in progress that have been signed by outgoing Ministries,
must remain in effect under the Ministry to which the contract’s subject area has been
reassigned.
(viii) The Audit and Procurement Committees of outgoing ministries shall be dissolved as soon
as practical.

2.6 Financial Misconduct

2.6.1 Surcharge
(i) Surcharge is a provision of the FAA Act which allows for the recovery of moneys lost or
the value of the loss of property or other assets that have been destroyed or stolen as a
result of negligence on the part of public officers. Surcharge allows for the recovery of the
amount from the person(s) found being negligent.

2.6.2 Authority to Surcharge


(i) The Financial Secretary based on any report from an Accounting Officer or the Auditor-
General shall, in accordance with the Provisions of Section 20 of the FAA Act, have the
authority to impose a surcharge on any Accountable Officer in respect of:
(a) failure to collect revenue;
(b) making “Improper Payments”;
(c) deficiency or loss of public moneys; and/or
(d) loss or destruction of government assets;
(e) or any other loss as detailed in the FAA Act sections 20 (1) (c) and 49(5).
(ii) Surcharge imposed, shall not exceed the sum total of the deficiency or loss suffered by
Government.
(iii) Where the deficiency or loss is caused by more than one officer, the surcharge must be
apportioned to all liable officers on the basis of their level of responsibility for the breach

2.6.3 Reporting Activities Liable to Surcharge


(i) Where it appears to any Accounting Officer or the Auditor-General that there has been a
breach of Section 20 of the FAA Act, he/she shall forthwith make a report to the Financial
Secretary. This report shall include information as to:
(a) the amount or value of the deficiency or loss;
(b) the circumstances leading to such deficiency or loss; and
(c) the officer(s) alleged to be responsible therefor.

2.6.4 Surcharge Proceedings


(i) The following steps are to be followed when the Financial Secretary is considering
instituting proceedings for surcharge:
(a) letters should be sent to the responsible officers through the respective Accounting
Officer setting out the allegations. Officers are required to provide a response within
thirty days of receiving the letter;

39
(b) Accounting Officers are required to submit a report giving their views and a
recommendation on the matter; and
(c) an assessment of the responses received should be done and clarification sought where
necessary. A decision should then be taken by the Financial Secretary whether a
surcharge should be levied or withdrawn.

2.6.5 Remedy for Person Surcharged


(i) Section 23 of the FAA Act details the surcharged officer’s rights of appeal to the Privy
Council.

2.6.6 Notification of Surcharge


(i) The Financial Secretary shall cause the Auditor- General and the Accounting Officer of
the department concerned to be notified of any surcharge made in accordance with
Section 21 of the FAA Act.

2.6.7 Recovery of Amount Surcharged


(i) Unless the surcharge is withdrawn, the Financial Secretary will institute proceedings for
recovery of the amount due to government or a part thereof.

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3 BUDGET MANAGEMENT

3.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

Chapter VIII Finance:


Section 115 provides that the Minister of Finance is required, before the end of each financial year, to
prepare annual estimates of revenue and expenditure: “for public services during the succeeding
financial year, which shall be laid before the House of Representatives”.

Section 116:A Supplementary Budget shall be “prepared by the Minister (responsible for finance)
and shall be laid in the form of a Supplementary Appropriation Bill and voted before the House of
Representatives under the appropriate heads”.

II. Finance Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part IIA Loans and Advances


Section 14D details the particulars to be included in annual estimates with regards loans and
advances, repayments, investments and proceeds of sale.

Part III Administration


Section 24A: Government Accounts:
(3) The Minister of Finance may issue directions and make regulations respecting the preparation,
submission and form of estimates.
The Minister shall also cause to be prepared, estimates of:
(a) loans and advances;
(b) repayments to the Consolidated Fund in respect of any loans and advances previously made;
(c) investments to be made;
(d) the proceeds of any sale or any realization of any such investments previously made;
(e) amounts representing:
(i) internal and external borrowings by Government; and
(ii) receipts and repayments of deposits and other trust moneys.

Part VII Fiscal Responsibility Framework


Section 48B (1): states that the Minister shall be responsible for (a) development and implementation
of a fiscal policy framework for Jamaica.
Sub-sections 48(1A): The Minister shall take appropriate measures to ensure that, commencing with
the financial year beginning on April 1, 2015, the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure are tabled
simultaneously, in time for their approval by both Houses of Parliament no later than March 31 of the
year preceding that to which the Estimates relate.
Subsection 48(1B): The Minister shall, before September 30 in each financial year, issue to

41
Accounting Officers, the Budget Call containing the economic and fiscal parameters which will
govern the preparation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the succeeding financial year
and the medium term.-
Section 48B provides the details regarding the documents to be laid along with the annual Estimates
of Revenue and Expenditure;
Upon presentation of the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, the Minister shall lay before
both Houses of Parliament: Fiscal Policy Paper containing the information specified in the Third
Schedule and setting out, in accordance with this section –
 a Fiscal Responsibility Statement;
 a Macroeconomic Framework; and
 a Fiscal Management Strategy;
 a Public Sector Investment Programme, consistent with the requirements specified in the Fourth
Schedule, and which shall be accompanied by a report of the Minister on the alignment of
expenditure on public investment projects in the preceding financial year with the corresponding
programme for that year.
 specifies the details regarding the Macroeconomic Framework.
 specifies the details regarding the Fiscal Responsibility Statement.
Section 48Gprovides details on the report on Statement of Excess, etc.
Before the House of Representatives votes on any statement of excess or supplementary estimates
pursuant to section 116(2) of the Constitution, the Public Administration and Appropriations
Committee of the House shall consider, and report to the House on the statement of excess or
supplementary estimates (as the case may be), having regard in particular to any Financial
Instructions issued by the Financial Secretary, under section 51, as to the contents of statements of
excess.

III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015

PART IIA Preparation and Submission of Annual Estimates


Regulation 11: In preparing the draft estimates relating to his department, the Accounting Officer is
responsible, in particular, for ensuring that:
(a) all services which can be reasonably foreseen are included in the estimates and that they are
within the capacity of his department during the financial year;
(b) the estimates have been prepared as completely and accurately as possible;
(c) the estimates have been framed with due regard to economy and efficiency;
(d) the requisite authority has been obtained, where necessary, before provision is made in the
estimates; and
(e) estimates are submitted in due time and in proper form.

Regulation 12(1): The Minister shall issue a directive known as a “Budget Call” no later than
September 30th of each year.

42
Regulation 12(2): The Budget Call shall require every department to submit in respect of the
upcoming financial year, its:
(a) corporate plan;
(b) operation plan;
(c) procurement plan;
(d) expenditure and revenue budgets;
(e) cash flow forecast;
(f) Permanent Secretary’s memorandum; and
(g) any other document prescribed by the Minister.

Regulation 12(3): details the matters to be approved by Cabinet that should form part of the Fiscal
Policy Paper and set out in the Budget Call issued during the financial year.

Regulation 13: The corporate plan shall be:


(a) realistic;
(b) guided by the medium term socio-economic plan of the Government;
(c) aligned within the priority policy objectives of Cabinet; and
(d) developed within available resources.

Regulation 14: The Permanent Secretary’s memorandum on the budget proposal shall include-
(a) a policy and programme direction for the upcoming year;
(b) a report on the current year’s performance;
(c) an indication of the priority programmes for the upcoming year;
(d) an indication of the extent to which the ministry will be able to fulfill its mandate and objectives
in the context of the expenditure parameters; and
(e) priority programmes which might be affected by expenditure limits and the implications on the
ministry’s performance.

Regulation 15: In preparing the estimates, special attention shall be given to-
(a) the compensation of employees, which should accurately reflect the minimum staff required to
effectively deliver the organization’s programmes within the available resources;
(b) full details of the allocation requested for consultancy payments and contract officers, showing
the purpose of these services, contract period and annual cost; and
(c) unpaid bills at the end of the current year which shall be carried forward to the upcoming year and
be a first charge on the approved budget of that year.

Regulation 16(3): The written recommendations of the Financial Secretary shall be obtained before
an Accounting Officer:
(a) Takes an step to implement a change that is likely to have adverse effects budgetary
implications for the financial year that is then current and for all the medium term; or
(b) Submits to the Cabinet a proposal for any such change

Regulation 16 regarding Appropriation-in-aid. See report on the effects of introducing Cash-based


IPSAS on the legislative framework.

Regulation 17:Draft budgets and plans submitted to the Financial Secretary by a department shall be
prepared and submitted under the signature of the Accounting Officer.

43
Regulation 17A: The Minister shall cause the Appropriation Bill in respect of each financial year to
be lain in the House of Representatives no later than one week after the Standing Finance Committee
has completed its examination of he estimates of revenue and expenditure in respect of that financial
year.

Regulations 19 -20: Supplementary Estimates

Regulation 19 (1): In cases where services were not contemplated when the estimates were presented
and approved, or where a temporary advance from the Contingencies Fund was sanctioned by the
Minister of Finance, Parliamentary approval shall be sought at the earliest opportunity by way of a
supplementary estimate.

Regulation 19 (2): Notwithstanding the Parliamentary approval of the vote, expenditure shall be
controlled by the warrant instrument which regulates such expenditure and by a proper system of
commitment planning and control established and maintained by the Accounting Officer
(Supplementary estimates)

Regulation 20:Accounting Officers shall, upon the request of the Financial Secretary, submit
proposals for adjustments to the voted provision to be incorporated in supplementary estimates.

Regulations 21 – 22: Reallocation of Expenditure

Regulation 21(1): Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), where the operating requirements of a
department make it necessary to reallocate expenditure within a non-wage recurrent component of the
approved budget, the Accounting Officer for the department may authorize the use of savings on
expenditure identified under one or more classifications in the budget to offset expenditure under
other classifications in the budget.

Regulation 21(2): An Accounting Officer may not authorize a reallocation in respect of any of the
following –
(a) reallocation of expenditure that is budgeted as compensation for employees of a department;
(b) reallocation of expenditure that is budgeted for a public investment project;
(c) reallocation of expenditure to any service programme or activity that is not provided for by an
Appropriation Act.

Regulation 21(3): All reallocations shall be incorporated in the supplementary estimates.

Regulation 21(4): This regulation shall have effect for the financial year beginning on April 1, 2015
and for subsequent financial years.

Regulation 22: The Minister may delegate to Accounting Officers the authority to vire under
specified terms and conditions.

44
IV. Fiscal Responsibility Framework Regulations (FRFRs) 2012, as amended 2015

Regulation 4(1): Subject to paragraph (2), the consultation with the Financial Secretary of any
proposed change required under section 16(3) of the Act, shall include the following [see the Act for
the list provided].

Regulation 6(1): Pursuant to section 48E(4) of the Act, each Accounting Officer shall, not later than
November 30 of each year, submit to the Minister a four year corporate plan in respect of each
department for which the Accounting Officer is responsible.

Regulation 6(2): A corporate plan submitted under paragraph (1) shall:


(a) indicate the estimates for the following financial year, and forward estimates for the succeeding
three financial years, in respect of existing recurrent programmes and public investment projects,
and any new policy proposals, that are to be implement within the period covered by the corporate
plan;
(b) incorporate into the recurrent budget all recurrent costs associated with public investment
projects that are being implemented under the current Public Sector Investment Progamme; and
(c) be consistent with the expenditure ceilings set out in the Budget Call under regulation 12 of the
Financial Management Regulations, 2011.

Regulation 6(3): If an Accounting Officer fails to submit a corporate plan in accordance with this
regulation, the Financial Secretary shall provide a report with regard to that failure to the Public
Service Commission for appropriate action.

Regulation 7(1):Before any excess or supplementary estimate expenditure may take place, the
Permanent Secretary generating the request for the expenditure shall submit to the Financial Secretary
a report [see the Act where full details are provided].

3.2 Financial Instructions


(i) The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions
regarding the above Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous Instructions,
Circulars as listed at the end of this document and or any other publication are considered
incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is covered in this document.

3.3 Financial Year/Fiscal Year


(i) The Financial Year/Fiscal Year commences on the 1st of April of each year and ends on the
31st of March of the subsequent year.

3.4 Budget Call


(i) The formal request by the Minister for the submission of plans, budgets and cash flows in
respect of the ensuing financial year shall be referred to as the “Budget Call”.
(ii) The following documents are to be submitted to the Minister along with the estimates of
expenditure and revenue:
1. Permanent Secretary’s Memorandum on the budget proposal, giving an overview to include the
following:

45
(a) the policy and programme direction for the upcoming year;
(b) a report on the current year’s performance and achievement;
(c) an indication of priority programmes for the upcoming year;
(d) an indication of the extent to which the ministry will be able to fulfil its mandate and
objectives in the context of the expenditure ceilings; and
(e) priority programmes which may be affected by these ceilings, and the implications for the
ministry’s performance;
2. The Corporate Plan proposed for the upcoming financial year with an executive summary
highlighting the ministry’s specific goals and objectives, strategies, performance indicators,
performance targets and the link with the draft budget estimates;
3. The Implementation Plan or proposed work plan setting out the tasks to be undertaken and the
scheduling of these tasks throughout the year for Capital Heads;
4. The Recurrent Budget Proposal based on the following guidelines;
(a) Compensation of Employees:
(i) The projected expenditure for this item must be based on existing staff complement
excluding vacancies.
(ii) Vacancies to be filled must be shown separately.
(iii) Funds required for the payment of salary arrears must be clearly identified in the
supporting details.
(b) Petrol - Information on the number of serviceable vehicles and their average monthly
consumption (in litres) must be submitted.
(c) Any other guidelines stipulated in the Budget Call.
5. Capital Budget proposals based on the following criteria to justify inclusion in the budget to be
approved by Parliament.
(a) The readiness of the project for implementation, providing evidence of consultations and
decisions taken by the Public Investment Management Committee (PIMC);
(b) The ability of the ministry to implement the project;
6. Summary of Personal Emoluments;
7. Materials and Equipment Budget;
8. Inescapable Recurrent Commitments;
9. Project Summary;
10. Annual Cash Flow Forecast;
11. Procurement plan to include:
(a) Major programs/task activities;
(b) Item description;
(c) Procurement method;
(d) Performance measure/indicator; and
(e) Physical targets and resources per quarter.
12. Foreign Exchange Budget Proposal based on a rate of exchange stipulated in the Budget Call and
including foreign exchange requirements such as:

46
(a) Foreign travel (the places to be visited, number of persons to attend, purpose of visit, type
and cost of passage must be given in detail);
(b) Payment for goods and services;
(c) Maintenance of overseas personnel and officers;
(d) Contributions to regional and international organizations and institutions.
13. Budget Narrative based on the following guidelines:
(a) For each head an executive summary must be prepared covering the scope of the
ministry/department’s mission statement and functions;
(b) An executive summary for each programme covering past performance and targets planned;
and
(c) Quantifiable achievements of activity/projects against targets and projected targets;
14. Miscellaneous Revenue Budget Proposal;
15. Appropriations-in-Aid Budget Proposal; and
16. Risk Management Strategy/Plan.
(iii) Accounting Officers must conform to the budget ceilings, submission deadlines, budget formats and
all other guidelines stipulated in the Budget Call.

3.5 Preparation of Expenditure and Revenue Estimates


(i) Accounting Officers shall be responsible for the preparation and submission to the Minister,
draft budgets for each financial year, which must incorporate its:
(a) Corporate Plan;
(b) Operational Plan;
(c) Estimates of Revenue;
(d) Estimates of Expenditure;
(e) Procurement Plan;
(f) Cash Flow Forecast;
(g) Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan; and
(h) Permanent Secretary’s memorandum and any other document prescribed by the Financial
Secretary within the time specified in the Budget Call.
(ii) Accounting Officers shall prepare estimates of expenditure and revenue based on their
corporate plans which must have clearly defined output and performance targets. The corporate
plan must be:
(a) realistic;
(b) guided by the medium term socio-economic plan of the Government;
(c) aligned within the priority policy objectives of Cabinet; and
(d) developedwithin available resources.
(iii) Accounting Officers shall prepare the Annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure
appropriate to the needs of departments under their control in the format and time line specified
in the Budget Call issued by the Minister.
(iv) The format to be used is provided in the Chart of Accounts issued by the Accountant General.

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(v) Accounting Officer shall forward to programme managers and other officers within their
ministry, the Budget Call highlighting the format and timelines issued by the Minister for the
submission of detailed plans, budgets and cash flow forecasts for the upcoming financial year.
(vi) The Principal Finance Officer shall be directly responsible for the coordination and
management of the budget proposals and cash flow forecasts of the ministry.

3.6 Supplementary Estimates


(i) The budget of the relevant MDAs shall be adjusted, via the first Supplementary Estimates to
reflect changes to the Approved Budget of the relevant financial year.
(ii) A Warrant reflecting the changes will be issued as soon as the first Supplementary Estimates is
approved by the Parliament.

3.7 Reallocation (Virement)


(i) Accounting Officers may cause budget reallocations under certain conditions but such
reallocations shall not be permitted under:
 Object 21-Compensation of Employees, under any activity or project within any programme or
sub-programme.
o The restriction is extended to budgetary allocations at the sub-object and sub-sub-object
levels of Compensation of Employees as specified in the Chart of Accounts.
o Moneys provided to MDAs for compensation of employees during the course of the
financial year which was not expended, shall cease to have effect at the close of the
financial year and shall be surrendered to the Consolidated Fund Account.
 Object 23 – Rental of Property and Machinery;
 Object 24– Utilities and Communication Services;
 Object 25– Use of Goods and Services - the following sub-sub-objects:
o Drugs;
o Medical Laboratory Services; and
o Medical Supplies.
(ii) Accounting Officers may, where necessary, authorize reallocation within other components of the
Recurrent Budget.
(iii) Accounting Officers shall not approve reallocation of expenditure budget involving public
investment projects, as defined by the Financial Administration and Audit Act. Approval of such
reallocation must be granted by the Minister.
(iv) All reallocation of expenditure budget must be included in the Supplementary Estimates which
are to be tabled in the House within 6 months after the close of the financial year.
(v) Reallocation of expenditure budget shall not be used to create:
(a) New activities/programmes which are not included in the original budget approved by
Parliament;
(b) A new commitment or cause an increase in an existing commitment on a permanent basis
which will necessitate the provision of additional funds for a Head of Estimates in the
current financial year or medium term;

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(vi) Reallocation of expenditure budget shall not be authorized between Heads of Expenditure or
between Voted and Statutory Provisions.
(vii) The ceilings approved in the Appropriation Act must be observed at all times.
(viii) A quarterly Report of all reallocation of expenditure budget authorized by Accounting Officers
must be submitted to the Financial Secretary within two weeks of the end of each quarter.

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4 TREASURY MANAGEMENT

4.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

Definition: "the Consolidated Fund" means the Consolidated Fund established by section 114
of this Constitution.

Chapter VII Finance:


Section 114:There shall be in and for Jamaica a Consolidated Fund, into which, subject to the
provisions of any law for the time being in force in Jamaica, shall be paid all revenues of
Jamaica.

Section 117:
(1) No sum shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund except upon the authority of a warrant
under the hand of the Minister responsible for finance.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4) of this section and section 118 of this
Constitution, no such warrant shall be issued except in respect of sums granted for the
specified public services by the Appropriation law for the financial year in respect of which
the withdrawal is to take place or for service otherwise lawfully charged on the
Consolidated Fund.

Section 119 (1):The public debt of Jamaica is hereby charged on the Consolidated Fund.

Part III – Pension


Section 133: Awards granted under any law for the time being in force in Jamaica in respect of
the public service shall be charged on and paid out of the Consolidated Fund.

II. Finance Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part II Consolidated Fund Bank Accounts


Definition: "Consolidated Fund" means the Consolidated Fund established pursuant to Section
114 of the Constitution;

"Consolidated Fund Bank Account" means -


(a) the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account;
(b) a Consolidated Fund Subsidiary Bank Account;
(c) a Consolidated Fund External Account; or
(d) a Consolidated Fund Foreign Currency Account.

Part II Consolidated Fund Bank Accounts


Section 3: describes the function and management of the Consolidated Fund Bank Account.

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Section 4: covers overdrafts.
Section 5: covers the operation of Consolidated Fund External Accounts.
Section 5A:covers the operation of Consolidated Fund Foreign Currency accounts.
Section 6: covers the investment of Consolidated Fund money.
Section 7: requires Accounting Officers to pay gross revenues into the Consolidated Fund in
accordance with directions of the Financial Secretary.
Section 8A: provides directions re fees, penalty, proceeds of sale or extra or unusual receipt.
Any revenues that are in excess of revenues approved by an Appropriation Act shall be
remitted to the Accountant-General.
Section 9: details how funds may be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund by the use of
Warrants.
Section 10: authorises the Accountant-General to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund
Principal Bank Account.

Part III Administration


Section 15: covers the appointment and functions of the Accountant-General.

III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015

Definitions:
Electronic Signature means information that:
(a) is contained in, attached to or logically associated with, an electronic document; and
(b) is used by a signatory to indicate his adoption of the content of that document, but does
not include any signature produced by a facsimile machine or by an electronic scanning
device;
Government Property means land, buildings, furniture, equipment, fixtures, inventory, stores,
supplies, artifacts and other assets, both tangible and intangible, owned by the Government;
Official Receipt means a receipt prescribed by the Financial Secretary for the collection of
public funds;
Signatory (electronic) means a person who by means of an encrypted signature creation device
has (whether acting himself or through another person, or an automated communications
device, acting on his behalf) affix his encrypted signature to an electronic document.
Treasury Deposits means funds held by the Accountant-General pending repayment or
application to the purposes for which they were deposited as established by law or otherwise or
any other deposits of which the Accountant-General is the custodian (other than Trust Funds or
the balances of the Consolidated Fund and the Contingencies Fund).

PART II: Management of the Consolidated Fund


Regulation 4: The establishment or closure of a Consolidated Fund Subsidiary Bank Account
shall be approved by the Financial Secretary.

Regulation 5:
(1) The books of accounts of the Consolidated Fund shall be maintained by the Accountant-
General on a double entry basis and in accordance with the accounting policies and
standards prescribed by the Financial Secretary.

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(2) A cash book or ledger account shall be maintained for each Consolidated Fund Bank
Account and shall be reconciled at least once per month.
(3) Cash books and ledger accounts for Consolidated Fund External Accounts and
Consolidated Fund Foreign Currency Accounts shall be maintained in the relevant foreign
currencies along with the Jamaican dollar equivalent based on the daily Bank of Jamaica’s
weighted average rate of exchange.
(4) Foreign exchange differences incurred between the standard rate of exchange and the actual
rate of exchange shall be transferred to a Foreign Exchange Adjustment Account in the
books of accounts of the Consolidated Fund.
(5) The Foreign Exchange Adjustment Account shall form a part of the assets and liabilities of
the Consolidated Fund and shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Minister.

Regulation 6: Bank and other charges on any Consolidated Fund Bank Account shall be paid
from an appropriation under the control of the Accountant-General.

Regulation 7: Withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund shall not exceed the limit set by the
warrant.

Regulation 8: The Accountant-General shall maintain a deposit account referred to as “the


Treasury Deposit Account” in which shall be deposited all funds which are held for payment to
a third party or for purposes stipulated by the depositor or for any other purposes prescribed by
law or by the Financial Secretary.

Regulation 9: Unclaimed funds held on Treasury deposits for a period of six years shall be paid
to the Consolidated Fund.

Regulation 10:Where any person entitled to a deposit which has been paid over to the
Consolidated Fund, subsequently proves, to the satisfaction of the Financial Secretary, his
claim to that deposit, the Financial Secretary shall thereupon approve a refund by the
Accountant-General of the amount to that person.

Regulations 45 – 46: provide for the Security and Custody of Public Monies.

Regulations 47 – 57:Provide for Payment of Public Monies.

Regulation 47: Unless authorized by law or by resolution of the House of Representatives, no


payment of public monies shall be made as a charge against the Consolidated Fund.

Regulation 54:Accountable Officers shall, by the 15th day of each month, inform the
Accountant General of all statutory deductions to be withheld from employees’ earnings.

Regulation 54A
(1) Every Accountable Officer shall remit any deduction from the earnings of an employee
to the person entitled to receive that deduction within seven working days of the
effective date of the deductions.
(2) Each Accountable Officer shall within seven days after the end of each month, provide a

52
written report to the Financial Secretary of all deductions made under this regulation by
that accountable officer.
Regulation 55: An Accountable Officer who contravenes regulation 54 or regulation 54A is
liable to surcharge for any penalty or costs accruing to Government as a consequence of such
failure or to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Public Service Regulation.
IV. Fiscal Responsibility Framework Regulations (FRFRs) 2012, as amended 2015

Regulation 2A
(5) All proceeds related to loans or grants shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Regulation 3(1):Where under section 9(2A) of the Act, the Minister proposes to suspend,
withdraw, or impose conditions on a warrant under section 117 of the Constitution of Jamaica,
he shall provide a report to the Cabinet specifying –

(a) whether the decision is for a withdrawal, suspension, or imposition of conditions on the
warrant;
(b) the reasons for the decision, including any specified in paragraph (2) that may apply, and
under what conditions it may be reversed; andthe implications the action may have on
other warrants that have been issued under section 9 of the Act.

Regulation 3(2):The reasons referred to in paragraph (1) (b) include there being –
(a) an insufficiency of cash resources in the Consolidated Fund to honour the warrant, given
other current or future obligations;
(b) a failure to meet the obligations under section 48C of the Act or its supporting regulations
as a result of honouring the warrant; or a failure to meet agreements with domestic or
international partners as a result of honouring the warrant.

4.2 Financial Instructions


(i) The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions
regarding the above Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous Instructions,
Circulars as listed at the end of the document and or any other publication are considered
incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is covered in this document.

4.3 The Consolidated Fund


(i) The Consolidated Fund shall consist of:-
(a) the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account;
(b) a Consolidated Fund External Account;
(c) a Consolidated Fund Foreign Currency Account; and
(d) all Consolidated Fund Subsidiary Bank Accounts in addition to any other accounts approved
by the Financial Secretary.
(ii) The Minister with responsibility for Finance has the authority to determine the bank in which
the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account is to be operated.
(iii) The Financial Secretary shall determine the bank or banks from which the Consolidated Fund
Subsidiary Bank Accounts are to be operated.

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4.3.1 Purpose of the Consolidated Fund
(i) The Consolidated Fund is the principal fund of Government established for the purposes of
holding revenues to meet voted and statutory expenditure.
(ii) Revenues shall consist of taxes, imposts, duties, fees, fines, penalties, forfeitures, rents, dues,
proceeds of sales, and all other receipts of Government from whatever source arising over
which the Parliament has the power of appropriation.

4.3.2 Custody of the Consolidated Fund


(i) The Accountant General is the custodian of the Consolidated Fund and carries out such
functions as are conferred by this or any other enactment on behalf of the Government of
Jamaica.

4.3.3 Withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund


(i) Moneys may only be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund when a specific warrant issued
by the Minister, authorizes such withdrawal.
(ii) Withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund shall not exceed the amount stipulated in warrants
issued by the Minister in respect of any appropriations voted by Parliament and Statutory
Expenditure provided for in the Estimates of Expenditure.

4.3.4 Repayment of Amounts due to Consolidated Fund through Warrant


(i) The Accountant General shall recover amounts owing to the Consolidated Fund or amounts
owing in respect of advances made from the Consolidated Fund.

4.3.5 Operation of the Consolidated Fund


(i) The Accountant General, subject to the approval of the Financial Secretary, shall be
responsible for implementing and maintaining proper systems and procedures for the
management of the Consolidated Fund.
(ii) The interest earned on Consolidated Fund investment must be credited to the Consolidated
Fund.
(iii) The Accountant General shall keep proper records relating to these investments.

4.4 Other Funds

4.4.1 Contingencies Fund


(i) The Accountant General shall make advances from the Contingencies Fund subject to the
approval of the Ministry of Finance and shall recover such advances from warrant funds as
soon as possible.

4.4.2 Trust Funds


(i) An Accounting Officer shall be responsible for the proper management of any Trust Fund
administered by his department.
54
(ii) Trust Funds must be administered in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the
trust deed or any agreement or contract or law that establishes the fund.
(iii) Where a Trust Fund has no provision or inadequate provision for its administration, the
Financial Secretary shall:
(a) Designate an Accountable Officer responsible for the Administration of such Trust
Fund;
(b) Establish systems and procedures for the administration, accounting and reporting of
such Trust Fund.

4.4.3 Treasury Deposits


(i) Funds other than Trust Fund, Consolidated Fund, Contingencies Fundand other designated
funds held on Deposit by the Accountant General pending repayment or statutory/
contractual application, shall constitute “Treasury Deposits” or “Deposit Fund Account”.
(ii) The Financial Secretary, subject to the Minister’s approval, shall authorise advances from
balances held on Treasury Deposits.
(iii) The Accountant General shall recover amounts owing in respect of advances made from
Treasury Deposits or any other Fund, from amounts approved in the warrant issued for the
Head of Estimates that received such advance.
(iv) Treasury Deposit advances must be cleared as far as possible within the financial year it was
issued and no later than twelve (12) months in the following financial year.
(v) Systems and procedures for the management, accounting and reporting of Treasury Deposits
shall be approved by the Financial Secretary.

4.4.4 Revenue Bank Account


(i) Principal Receivers of Revenue shall with the written approval of the Financial Secretary,
maintain bank accounts (hereinafter referred to as “Revenue Bank Account”) for depositing
all sums to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

4.5 Central Treasury Management System (CTMS)

4.5.1 CTMS Definition


(i) CTMS is a set of processes and procedures, supported by automation, which enables the
efficient management of the cash functions and resources of Government.

4.5.2 Centralised Payments


(i) A major aspect of the CTMS shall be the centralisation of MDAs’ payments by the
AGD.
(ii) MDAs shall process claims, invoices, bills, contracts etc. through checking,
certification, authorisation and submitting same electronically to the AGD for payment
to the relevant payees’ bank account.

55
(iii) Payment requests sent to the AGD where applicable, must contain the due date for
payment.
(iv) The total amount of payment requests submitted to the AGD at any point in time must
not exceed the sum of the following:
(a) total warrants issued to date;
(b) total authorised MOF Contingencies Provision advances issued to date (if any);
(c) total authorised AGD Treasury Deposits advances issued to date (if any); and
(d) total AIA lodgements to the Central Payment Account (CPA) to date (if any).
(v) The Accountant General shall effect MDAs’ payment requests within five (5) working
days of receipt, except in situations where funds are not available, in which case the
AGD must immediately advise the relevant MDA. MDAs shall be accountable for the
validity; accuracy and authenticity of all payments effected by AGD on their behalf.
(vi) The AGD shall be responsible for ensuring that MDAs payments do not exceed their
warrant funds.
(vii) MDAs shall be accountable for rejected payments and any payment made to a wrong
bank account.
(viii) The AGD shall effect MDA’s and other CTMS payments using the following banking
platforms:
(a) Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System;
(b) Automated Clearing House System (ACHS), and
(c) Any platform approved by the Financial Secretary.

4.5.3 CTMS Web Portal


(i) The CTMS shall have a web portal for the purposes of:
(a) being the gateway between MDAs and the Treasury, facilitating movements in both
directions between MDAs and the Treasury;
(b) being the repository of all clients’ banking information;
(c) tracking the status of all CTMS transactions.

(ii) All transactions on the CTMS Web Portal shall require verification by an authorised
officer of the MDA before it shall be transmitted to the Treasury.

4.5.4 Central Payment Account (CPA)


(i) The AGD shall operate a Central Payment Account (CPA) for receiving MDAs’
warrant funds and for payment of MDAs’ expenses.
(ii) The CPA shall be held at the Bank of Jamaica.

4.5.5 Treasury Single Account (TSA)


(i) The TSA shall be a group of bank accounts for which the Accountant General have
direct access and control.
(ii) The Financial Secretary shall authorise the bank accounts to be in the group of accounts
that constitute the TSA which shall include the following:

56
(a) Consolidated Fund;
(b) Consolidated Fund Subsidiary Bank Accounts;
(c) Central Payment Account;
(d) Central Receipts Account
(e) Treasury Deposits Accounts; and
(f) Revenue Bank Accounts.
(g) Any other bank account designated by the Financial Secretary

4.5.6 Taxpayer Registration Number and Bank Account


(i) Every employee, supplier and other clients of the government must have a valid
Taxpayer Registration Number and a bank account.
(ii) Clients must complete and sign a Client Information Form (CIF) for the purposes of
having their banking information registered in the CTMS.
(iii) Changes in client’s banking information must be made by the client completing and
signing a new CIF at least three days before the date it is required to be used in the
system.
(iv) MDAs must ensure that the client banking information entered on the system from the
CIF is properly checked and verified and that the CIF is placed in a vault, chest or other
secured area.
(v) Clients excluding employees and individuals with multiple bank accounts must have a
TRN branch code for each bank account and must indicate in writing to the MDA the
TRN/branch code to be used for the bank account required to be credited for each
payment.

4.5.7 Foreign Exchange Payments


(i) Where payments are required to be made to an overseas supplier or client in foreign
currency, a letter must be submitted to the AGD at least five (5) working days before
the schedule date for payment, stating the following:
(a) The name of the Payee;
(b) The address of the Payee;
(c) The amount to be paid and the currency;
(d) The purpose of the payment;
(e) The bank, branch and the bank account number to be credited. (the full address
of the bank should be included);
(f) The scheduled date for payment; and
(g) The head to which the payment is to be charged.
(ii) The AGD, based on the availability of funds, will request the BOJ to effect the payment
and to charge the CPA account with the amount paid plus the bank charges.
(iii) The AGD shall advise the MDA within five (5) working days, stating the Jamaican
dollar equivalent of the amount paid plus the bank charges.

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4.5.8 Appropriations-in-Aid
(i) Approved Appropriations-in-Aid collections to be used to finance expenditures to be
paid through the CTMS must be deposited by MDAs to the relevant bank account
designated by the Accountant General
(ii) Where the AIA collections exceed the approved AIA budgetary provision, the excess
collections must be lodged to the Consolidated Fund Account.
(iii) Expenditure payments to be made from AIA funds by the MDAs must be processed on
the accounting system and submitted to the AGD in the normal manner using the
relevant fund source code for AIA payments

4.5.9 Surrender of Balances to Consolidated Fund


(i) Every appropriation by Parliament of public moneys in relation to any financial year
shall cease to have effect at the close of that financial year, as provided in the FAA Act.
(ii) All unexpended balances in the Central Payment Account in respect of each Head of
Estimates under the Central Treasury Management System must be transferred by the
Accountant General to the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account as soon as
possible following the end of the financial year.
(iii) The Accountant General shall advice the Auditor-General, the Financial Secretary and
the relevant Accounting Officers of the amount surrendered to the Consolidated Fund
in respect of each Head of Estimates

4.6 Uniformed Chart of Accounts


(i) The Accountant General shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Government of
Jamaica Uniformed Chart of Accounts.
(ii) All request for training, clarification and modification to the Chart of Accounts must be
submitted to the Accountant General.

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5 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE

5.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

Chapter VIII: Finance


Section 116:covers the need for Annual Estimates but does not prescribe the format.
Section 117: covers the payment of sums out of the Consolidated Fund
Section 119: Public Debt Charges.
II. The Financial Administration and Audit Act
Section 7: Payments into the Consolidated Fund.
Section 7A: Payment of Loans into the Consolidated Fund.
Section 8A: Minister may give directions re fees, penalty, proceeds of sale of extra or unusual
receipt
Section 18: Control of Expenditure
Section 19: Commitment of Expenditure
Section 19C: Authorisation of payment
Section 51: Direction of the Financial Secretary to issue instructions on the collection, custody,
issue, expenditure, due accounting for and collection of public moneys

III. The Financial Management Regulations

Regulation 31: Assignment of officers to collect money


Regulations 32 – 36: Issue of official receipts.
Regulation 41: Responsibility of Principal Receivers of Revenue
Regulations 47-62:Payment of Public Moneys

5.2 Financial Instructions


The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions regarding
the above Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous Instructions, Circulars as
listed at the end of the document or any other publication are considered incorporated and revoked
to the extent that the matter is covered in this document.

59
5.3 Receipt of Public Money

5.3.1 Responsibility for Collection of Revenue


(i) The responsibility for collecting and accounting for revenues payable to the Government is
placed with the Principal Receivers of Revenue. It shall, however, be the duty of the
Accounting Officer to ensure that the revenues collectible by the Ministry and Department
under his control:
(a) are collected and brought to account;
(b) are adequately safeguarded;
(c) have appropriate controls established to secure effective collection and assessment; and
(d) are entrusted to individuals who are designated as Accountable Officers with the
responsibilities to collect and remit government revenue.
(ii) It shall be the responsibility of accountable officers to exercise the appropriate care, and due
diligence in accounting for government revenues

5.3.2 Revenue Bank Account


(i) Principal Receivers of Revenue may be authorized by the Financial Secretary to open official
bank accounts to which revenue collections are lodged in the first instance and from which
transfers are made on a timely basis to the Consolidated Fund.

5.3.3 Responsibility of Principal Receivers of Revenue and Accounting Officers


(i) The responsibilities of Principal Receivers of Revenue and Accounting Officers in relation to
the collection and accounting for revenue shall be:
(a) Paying drawbacks and refunds authorised by law from revenue collections so that only
the net revenue shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund;
(b) Collecting and accounting for revenue approved by Parliament as
departmental/miscellaneous revenue. The Accounting Officer for the departments
concerned must remit collections to the Accountant General promptly and intact (that
is, daily or by the next business day);
(c) Ensuring that collecting officers issue an official receipt in respect of every sum of
public money received except where the revenue collected is in respect of adhesive or
embossed stamps and stamped stationery;
(d) Ensuring that whenever a public officer, not being a collecting officer, receives public
money, such officer is required to pay the said money to a collecting officer forthwith
and ensure that an official receipt is issued for the amount; and
(e) In cases where court fees, licenses and other duties are collected by means of adhesive
stamps, Principal Receivers of Revenue shall ensure that:
(i) The value of stamps are checked and the correct amount of money has been paid;
and
(ii) The stamps are cancelled by an officer other than the officer receiving the stamps
or stamped document.
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(iii) The Officer receiving the adhesive stamp shall ensure that the stamp is affixed to
the document for the value paid.

5.3.4 Official Revenue Receipts


(i) Except in special cases, such as the payment of court fines or sale of stamps, collecting
officers receiving money on behalf of Government must forthwith issue official receipts for
every sum of money paid.
(ii) All official receipts and forms, except for those prescribed by any law or any Rules of Court
are prescribed and issued under the authority of the Financial Secretary.
(iii) No public officer or any other person shall print or issue, any form of official receipt without
the express sanction of the Financial Secretary.

5.3.5 General Receipt Book


(i) Each receipt book must consist of 100 receipt forms with corresponding duplicates or
triplicates where applicable.
(ii) The forms must be pre-numbered (i.e. printed with receipt numbers in numerical sequence).

5.3.5.1 Control of Receipt Book


(i) At least once per year, Accounting Officers must cause a check of the stock of books on hand
to be made by an officer other than the one who keeps the stock.
(ii) Each receipt form and duplicate is a valuable document and must be accounted for. In the
event of the loss of a book or of a form from a book, the officer to whom the book is issued is
liable to surcharge in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
(iii) On return of a receipt book which has temporarily left his charge, a senior officer must check
whether the duplicates of receipts issued and the unused receipts (original and duplicates) are
intact.

5.3.5.2 Maintaining Stock of Receipt Book


(i) The Accountant General shall be responsible for maintaining adequate stocks of Official
General Receipts to meet the requirements of the public service.

5.3.5.3 Loss of Receipt Book


(i) The loss of a receipt book should be advertised in the press immediately on discovery of the
loss.

5.3.5.4 Receipt Book Delivered by Mail


(i) Receipt books, whether used or unused should be registered when sent through the post.

5.3.5.5 Acquisition of Receipt Book


(i) The Accountant General shall maintain a record for receipt books in which details of all
receipts and issues shall be recorded. This register shall be called the “Stock and Issue
Register”; Accounting Officers shall obtain supplies of official General Receipts by
requisition to the Accountant General.

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(ii) In order to maintain at all times adequate control over receipt books under their charge,
Accounting Officers are required to maintain a stock record to show receipts from the
Accountant General and issues to the various Departments under their control. These
Departments must maintain a receipt book register for recording the officers to whom
individual books are issued.
(iii) Officers responsible for the custody of receipt books must ensure that the serial number on a
receipt and the corresponding duplicate is the same and that the receipts in a book are in
strict numerical sequence. Any error in number which has been discovered must be reported
promptly to the Accounting Officer and the book should not be put into use without his
authority.
(iv) Receipt books must be issued in consecutive order and individual receipt forms must be used
in numerical sequence.

5.3.6 Special Receipts


(i) The use of special official receipts forms shall be authorized by the Financial Secretary to
meet the special needs of specific Departments.
(ii) The responsibility for maintaining adequate stocks and for the custody and control of special
official receipts, rests with the Head of the Department concerned.
(iii) The procedure for the control and use of Special Receipts shall be the same as that for
General Receipts as far as possible.

5.3.7 Computer Generated Receipts


(i) The use of computer or machine-generated receipts must be approved by the Financial
Secretary.
(ii) Any submission to the Financial Secretary for approval of the use of machine generated
receipts must include the following:
(a) The name of the system;
(b) The name of the owner and/or supplier of the system;
(c) The purchase cost and estimated monthly maintenance cost of the system;
(d) The estimated average number and value of receipts to be issued by the system each
month; and
(e) The security controls of the system itself and the administrative or procedural controls to
be applied in the operation of the system.
(iii)The procedure for the control and use of computerized or machine generated receipts must
be adequate to prevent the loss of public money and shall be the responsibility of the
Accounting Officer.

5.3.8 Preparation of Receipts


(i) Every official receipt shall be prepared to show the date of receipt, the amount of money
paid (in words and figures) and the purpose for which payment is made.
(ii) When a general receipt is to be issued, where relevant, a sheet of double-sided carbon paper
must be placed between the receipt form and the duplicate so that the entries made on the

62
face of the receipt are reproduced on the back of the original and on the copies retained for
official use.
(iii) Receipts must be signed by the officer authorized to receive public monies.

5.3.9 Cancellation of Receipt


(i) No erasures or amendments shall be made on an official receipt. Whenever an error is made,
the receipt must be cancelled and a new one prepared.
(ii) A receipt shall be cancelled by writing the word “cancelled” across the face of the receipt
and it’s duplicate. If the original was separated from the book, it must be pasted to the
margin of the duplicate in such a way that all entries made on the duplicate can be easily
seen.

5.3.10 Acceptance of Cheques


5.3.10.1 Types of Cheques to be accepted
(i) The following cheques may be accepted in the payment of public moneys:

(a) Valid cheques issued by another ministry, department or public body;


(b) Valid cheques drawn by any reputable organization or individual for which the
ministry, department or agency has had a long and on-going relationship and where
such cheques have been authorized by an appropriate senior accountable officer of the
ministry, department or agency;
(c) Valid manager’s cheques issued by a local licensed commercial bank regulated by the
Bank of Jamaica;
(d) Valid cheques issued by a licensed financial institution that is regulated by the
Financial Services Commission; and
(e) Valid cheques issued by licensed building societies and credit unions regulated by the
Bank of Jamaica.

(ii) The Accounting Officer and/or Head of Department shall designate in writing appropriate
senior officer(s) to have discretionary powers in accepting cheques.

5.3.10.2 Certification of Cheques


(i) Cheques are deemed certified if the bank on which the cheque is drawn verifies that:
(a) The cheque is valid; and
(b) The account on which the cheque is drawn has adequate funds to cover the amount for
which the cheque is drawn.

5.3.10.3 Cheques Accepted as Conditional Payment


(i) Every receipt (duplicate included) issued in respect of a payment made by cheque, whether
certified or uncertified, should bear a stamp inscribed as follows:

“Cheque accepted as conditional payment only”

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5.3.11 Criteria for Acceptance of Cheques
(i) Cheques accepted for the payment of public moneys must be:
(a) Drawn in favour of the ministry, department, agency to which the payment is being
made;
(b) Drawn for the exact amount due;
(c) Have the drawer’s name, address (work and home) and telephone number (work and
home) clearly written on the reverse side of the cheque; and where necessary, the
identity of the drawer should be verified by a valid identification (i.e. driver’s licence,
passport, voter identification card).The particulars of the identification provided must
be noted on the reverse side of the cheque.

5.3.12 Stale-dated Cheques


(i) The procedures relating to stale dated cheques are stated at Instruction 5.10.9.

5.3.13 Dishonoured Cheques


(i) Where a cheque is dishonoured by the bank on which it is drawn, the drawer should be
regarded as having made no payment and the Accounting Officer must take the following
action:
(a) Stop any service, supply or payment contemplated in connection with the cheque
received;
(b) Ascertain the reason for the cheque being dishonoured and contact the drawer to make
full recovery of the amount due plus any bank charges, interest or penalty accrued.
Another cheque should not be accepted from the drawer where the original cheque was
dishonoured due to lack of funds;
(c) Ascertain whether the collecting officer breached these instructions by improperly
accepting the cheque and in case the amount is not recovered within thirty days (30),
report the matter to the Financial Secretary for surcharge proceedings;
(d) Report the matter to the Police at once where fraud or any other criminal offence is
suspected in relation to the dishonoured cheque; and
(e) Make the appropriate accounting entries to reflect the dishonoured cheque in the books
of accounts. This should include opening an advance account in the name of the
collecting officer where the cheque was improperly accepted by him. The advance
account should be for the amount of the cheque plus all charges incurred.
(ii) Any loss of public money caused by a breach of the above procedures shall render the
collecting officer(s) liable to surcharge for the full recovery of the amount of the loss.

5.3.14 Cash Cheques


(i) Cash cheques issued by financial institutions which are similar to Travellers Cheques and
available only in local currency having been purchased from a commercial bank, may be
accepted by collecting officers in payment of goods and services, customs and excise duty,
stamp duties and licences.
(ii) The collecting officer in accepting these cash cheques must ensure that:
(a) The cheques are drawn in favour of the ministry, department, agency to which the
payment is being made;

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(b) The presenter countersigns in the prescribed section on the face of the cheque in the
presence of the collecting officer; and
(c) The counter-signature corresponds with the signature already affixed to the face of the
cash cheque.

5.3.15 Bills of Exchange


(i) Bills of exchange or promissory notes must not be received as revenue.

5.3.16 Credit and Debit Cards


(i) Accounting Officers and Principal Receivers of Revenue may accept credit and debit cards in
the payment of revenue and other public moneys provided that the collecting officer comply
with the operational procedures for acceptance of such cards issued by the authorised
commercial bank..
(ii) The collecting officer in accepting payments via Credit or Debit Cards must ensure that an
official receipt with the additional information, “Credit Card” or “Debit Card” stated thereon
as the method of payment, is issued for the transaction.
(iii) The collecting officer in accepting payments via Credit Cards or Debit Cards must ensure that:
(a) An “Electronic Data Capture Machine” or “Manual Imprinter” is used to prepare the
“Sales Draft” with the required number of copies, which shall have thereon the following:
o Transaction date;
o Account number ( number of digits required by the bank);
o Authorisation number;
o Brand of card;
o Expiration date of the card; and
o Monetary value of the transactions in local currency.
(b) The cardholder signs the sales draft in the prescribed section in the presence of the
collecting officer; and
(c) The signature corresponds with the authorised signature affixed on the back of the card.

5.3.17 Foreign Currency Card


(i) Where the taxpayer presents a foreign currency denominated card, the payment due shall be
converted at the applicable official rate of exchange available through the Bank of Jamaica at
the time of the transaction, the taxpayer advised and the relevant information noted on the
official receipt.

5.3.17.1 Reconciliation of Credit Card Transactions


(i) It shall be the responsibility of accountable officers to ensure that where public moneys are
collected via credit cards, a daily reconciliation of these transactions is done by effecting a
comparison with the transactions stated in the bank’s records (see Appendix 9 - Procedure for
Daily Reconciliation of Point of Sale (Debit/Credit Cards) collections. (See Appendix 15 for
format of the Daily Reconciliation Statement.

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5.3.18 Daily Reconciliation of Point of Sale [Debit/Credit Cards Collection)
(i) Any loss to the Government resulting from the failure of a collecting officer to fully comply
with these Instructions shall render such collecting officer liable to surcharge.

5.3.19 Registered Mail


(i) Accounting Officers must ensure that proper arrangements are made by each department
for obtaining registered mail from the post office. These should include the naming of the
person or persons to whom mail should be delivered and the times at which deliveries will
be made.
(ii) Registered mail intended for a Government Department must be recorded by the post office
with the appropriate tracking system for tracking mails.
(iii) Entries in the delivery book must indicate the date of delivery, the number of letters
delivered, and registration number and office of origin of each letter.
(iv) At the time of delivery of letters, the delivery advice must be signed by the Post Office
Clerk making delivery, and receipt of the letters acknowledged by the Department’s
authorised agent.
(v) In departments where substantial sums of money are regularly received by registered mail,
two persons must be assigned the duty of collecting mail from the Post Office.

5.3.19.1 Checking Advice Slip


(i) Registered letters when delivered are accompanied by an Advice Slip which shows the post
office from which the letters were originally received, and the registration number of each
letter.
(ii) Proper arrangements must be made for obtaining delivery of registered letters and the
receiving officer must check unopened mails against the Advice Slip.
(iii) The Post Office Advice Slip should be filed in chronological order and retained for a
period as set out in the Document Retention Schedule.

5.3.19.2 Opening Registered Letters


(i) Letters must be opened by two officers in the presence of each other and where they
contain value, their contents recorded immediately in the Value Book. The record of the
contents of each such letter must be initialed by each officer.
(ii) Letters not containing value need not be entered in the Value Book but should be marked
“nil” on the Advice Slip and initialed by both officers.
(iii) A record of the amount received with each letter must be made on the letter itself and
initialed and dated by both officers.

5.3.19.3 Handing-over Letters and Contents of Value Book


(i) The Value Book with the letters and their contents must be handed over by the two officers
referred to above, immediately after a mail has been dealt with to the Cashier or other
designated Accountable Officer who shall thereafter be responsible for them.

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(ii) The Cashier or Accountable Officer must initial each entry in the Value Book, bring the
monies to account and note on each letter and in the Value Book the receipt number issued
for the respective amounts received.

5.3.20 The Value Book


(i) Any monies received by registered post or otherwise enclosed in letters must immediately be
recorded in the Value Book.
(ii) All monies must be brought to account daily or at the earliest opportunity. The Accountable
Officer will be held responsible for any delay in bringing same to account.

5.3.20.1 Weekly Check of Value Book


(i) The following check must be made at least once a week by a senior officer of the
department:
(a) A check to ensure that every amount entered in the Value Book has been brought to
account promptly in the Cash Book, or otherwise satisfactorily accounted for; and
(b) A check of the Post Office Advice Slip with the Value Book to see that all registered
letters have been entered in the Value Book and their disposal duly recorded therein
with the exception of those marked “nil” on the Advice Slip and duly initialled by the
two officers who opened the letters.

5.3.20.2 Computerised Value Book


(i) The Value Book may be computerised provided that:
(a) It adheres to all the instructions herein as far as possible; and
(b) Adequate internal controls exist to prevent loss and irregularities.

5.3.21 Uncollected Revenue


(i) Accounting Officers, Principal Receivers of Revenue and other receivers of revenue are
required to report promptly to the Financial Secretary, any failure on the part of a collecting
officer to receive and duly account for any sums receivable by him.

5.3.22 Miscellaneous Revenue


(i) Accounting Officer and Heads of Department shall be responsible for the collection,
lodgment, accounting and reporting of Departmental and Other Miscellaneous Revenue under
their portfolio.
(ii) Unless special approval is given by the Financial Secretary, all amounts received for
miscellaneous revenue must be lodged promptly to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous
Revenue Bank Account using the Consolidated Cash Plan (CCP) deposit slip.
(iii) Ministries and departments must submit to the Accountant General, a statement of the
collection and lodgement of Miscellaneous Revenues in respect of the previous month by the
fourteenth (14th) working day of each month. .

5.3.23 Appropriations-in-Aid
(i) The approval of Parliament by way of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure is required
for the inclusion of appropriations-in aid within an entities Budget.

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(ii) Authorised appropriations-in-aid shall be lodged to
(a) The relevant bank account designated by the Accountant General where expenditure
payments from these funds are to be done through the CTMS;
(b) Any designated bank account approved by the Financial Secretary..
(iii)Appropriations-in-Aid collected in excess of the amount authorized for collection as stated in
the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure must be surrendered to the Consolidated Fund and
shall not be used to meet expenditures.

5.3.24 User Fees


(i) Accounting Officers shall examine all services with a view to identify which services should
attract user fees and seek the approval of the Minister of Finance for the implementation or
increase of such fees. This examination should be guided by the following principles:
(a) Services of a commercial nature being offered by the Public Sector should at least cover
the cost of delivery of such services.
(b) Where fees have not been amended on any realistic basis over a prolonged period of time,
Ministries and Departments should develop a programme for phased increases with the
objective of attaining full cost recovery.
(c) Any such programme developed should be submitted to the Financial Secretary for
approval before implementation.

5.4 Lodgement of Public Money

5.4.1 Lodgement and/or Disposal of Amounts Collected


(i) Officers who receive public monies are required to lodge the whole amount of such
moneys daily or at the earliest opportunity, into an official bank account.
(ii) Between the time of receipt and the time of payment into the bank or to a collecting
officer, no public moneys shall be made use of in any way whatsoever, or shall any
officer advance, or lend any sum for which he is answerable to the Government.
(iii) Public moneys collected shall be lodged daily or by the next business day into the
relevant official bank account.
(iv) The amount lodged shall be in excess of the total costs associated with making the
lodgment.
(v) Where lodgments are made using night deposit bags, the responsible accountable
officer must follow-up to ensure that the amounts are cleared within one business day
after delivery to the bank.
(vi) Accounting Officers, Principal Receivers of Revenue, or other Accountable Officers
are required to properly safeguard public moneys in transit.
(vii) Except where amounts are trifling, public moneys must not be taken to the bank or
withdrawn from the bank by a single employee.

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(viii) A breach of this instruction resulting in a loss of public funds, shall cause the officer
found culpable of the breach, to be surcharged for the amount of the loss or part
thereof as determined by the Financial Secretary.

5.4.2 Auditor’s Seal on Safe


(i) Auditors may elect to seal off a safe if the custodian of the safe is absent at the time of a
surprise visit. Whenever auditors affix such a seal, the safe should not be entered unless:
(a) The auditor is present; or
(b) Permission to enter is given by the auditor.

(ii) Any breaking of seals without adherence to the above constitutes a breach for which the
officer shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by a Committee established to
administer discipline.

5.5 Official Bank Account

5.5.1 Authority to Open Bank Account


(i) Accounting Officers, Principal Receivers of Revenue, Principal Finance Officers and other
Accountable Officers may, with the approval of the Financial Secretary, may open and operate
official bank accounts in the following circumstances:
(a) The requirement of an established law or contract does not allow Central Treasury
Management system to be used;
(b) A loan, grant or other agreement requires that a separate bank account to be
maintained; and
(c) Any other reason approved by the Financial Secretary.

5.5.2 Request for Approval to Open an Official Bank Account


(i) Permanent Secretaries, Principal Receivers of Revenues (PRRs), Heads of Departments,
Chairmen of Boards and Chief Executive Officers seeking approval to open an official bank
account must submit letter to the Accountant General stating the following:
(a) Justification/need for the bank account;
(b) The estimated maximum balance to be held in the bank account;
(c) The name and address of the bank at which the account is to be established;
(d) The names and posts of the permanently appointed and contract officers
recommended as signatories to the bank account;

NB -The signatories must not include temporary officers, Board Chairmen, Board
Members or any officer who by virtue of the nature of his/her function(s)
compromises the system of internal control. For a contract officer to be a signatory
to any bank account the duration of his/her contract must be more than 12 months
following the date targeted for the opening of the account.

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In exceptional circumstances, such as legislative procedures, where Board
Chairmen or Board Members are required to be signatories to a bank account,
special approval may be granted by the Financial Secretary.
(e) The signatories must be divided into two groups:-
(i) Group (A) representing the Accounting Officer , Chief Executive Officer or
Head of Entity, or Principal; and
(ii) Group (B)representing the Principal Finance Officer, Director of Finance,
Financial Controller or Bursar;
(f) The method of signing cheques, that is, cheque signing machine, computer,manual
or other method approved by the Financial Secretary;
(g) The type of account required - current, saving, term deposit, interest bearing
current account etc.
(h) Purpose of the account;
(i) Source of funds – Consolidated Fund, Grants from external sources, Loans; and
(j) Currency of proposed account (J$, US$, British Pound, Euro or other approved
currency).

5.5.3 Project Bank Accounts


(i) In circumstances where the proposed account relates to a project, the following additional
information and document are required:-
(a) Period for which the account is required;
(b) Name of the Project sponsor(s);
(c) Any special condition(s) based on the project agreement that will impact the operation
of the proposed bank account; and
(d) Copy of contract with the funding agency/partner where applicable.

5.5.4 Replacement Bank Accounts


(i) In circumstances where the proposed account relates to the closure of an existing account
the following additional information are required:-
(a) Reasons for replacing the account;
(b) Arrangements for the termination/closure of the existing bank account.
(ii) The procedure for closure of bank accounts as stated at Instruction 5.5.8must be adhered
to.

5.5.5 Transfer of an account between Branches


(i) Where a MDA needs to transfer an official bank account from one branch of a bank to
another branch of the same bank, a request must be submitted to the Accountant General
for approval, stating the following:
(a) The reason for changing the branch;
(b) Change in signatories, if any; and
(c) The proposed date for the transfer.

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5.5.6 Bank Account Approval
(i) The Financial Secretary’s letter of approval for the opening and operation of a bank
account may contain specific instructions. These instructions must not be varied without
the prior written permission of the Accountant General.
(ii) Immediately upon opening of the bank account, the MDA must advise the Accountant
General of the account number and the date on which the account was established.

5.5.7 Change in Signatories


(i) Where an account is being operated and the need arises for a change to be made to the
signatories, approval must be sought from the Accountant General. The request for the
approval must state the reason for the change and the name and position of the officers
recommended to replace the existing signatories on the bank account.
5.5.8 Closure of Bank Accounts
(i) The Accounting Officer or Head of Entity whenever he/she contemplates closing an
official bank account must :
(a) Seek and receive the prior written approval of the Accountant General for the closure
of the bank account.
(b) Ensure that the bank reconciliation of the account to be closed is brought up to date
and a copy of the reconciliation submitted to the Accountant General. If the
reconciliation is not up to date a detailed plan for dealing with the outstanding
reconciliation must be submitted to the Accountant General.
(c) Ensure that all outstanding cheques including stale dated cheques are examined by
contacting the relevant payees, notifying them of the imminent closure of the bank
account and advising them to:
(i) Encash cheques by a stipulated deadline, or
(ii) Return cheque(s) for replacement where they are stale-dated or damaged.
(d) State in the submission at (a), the proposal for disposal of the uncommitted funds in the
account. (NB. The general rule is that such funds must be surrendered to the
Consolidated Fund unless there is a legal or contractual obligation for the funds to be
transferred elsewhere, in which case details of this must be provided).
(ii) The Accountant General must be issued with a copy of the letter instructing the bank to
close the account and to transfer the balance as authorized by the Accountant General in
the approval letter for closure of the account.

5.5.9 Bank Overdraft


(i) It shall be the responsibility of Accounting Officers, Principal Receivers of Revenue, and
other Accountable Officers to ensure that official bank accounts are not overdrawn.
(ii) Officers concerned will be held personally liable in the event of bank charges arising from
an unauthorized overdraft.
(iii)The Accountable Officer(s) to be surcharged for any deficiency or loss arising from any
charges incurred on overdrawn official bank account where no prior written approval was
granted by the Financial Secretary in respect of such overdraft, shall be :
(a) The officer who stamped the payment voucher stating that funds are available for
payment following its certification for payment.;

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(b) The officer authorizing the payment and the release of funds;
(c) The officer signing the cheques, except where a cheque signing machine is used.
(iv) Cheque signing officers shall be responsible for ensuring that before signing cheques they
are satisfied that funds are available and the payment is correct.

5.5.10 Reconciliation of Bank Account


(i) Official Bank Accounts must be reconciled at least monthly as well as at the end of the
financial year and whenever an account will be closed.

5.6 Imprest

5.6.1 Request for Approval to Operate Bank Imprest


(i) If an Accounting Officer considers it necessary for an outstation of his department to operate
an imprest at an approved bank, a written approval must be obtained from the Financial
Secretary through application to the Accountant General in accordance with Instruction
(5.5.2).
(ii) In applying for authority to operate a bank imprest, the Accounting Officer or other
Accountable Officer must in addition to the provisionof Instruction (5.5.2) state the proposed
amount of the imprest and the expenditure items to be met from it.
(iii) For termination of an imprest bank account, the procedures relating to the closure of bank
accounts must be followed.

5.6.2 Requests for Approval to Operate Petty Cash and Other Cash Imprests
(i) Accounting Officer and other Accountable Officer requiring petty cash imprest, stamp
imprest, refund imprest and float or change imprest for cashiers must request the approval of
the Accountant General stating the following:
(a) the necessity for the imprest;
(b) The type of imprest requested;
(c) The name and location of the imprest holder; and
(d) The amount of the imprest.
(ii) Where the Accountant General authorizes the operation of any type of petty cash imprest,
the amount of such imprest shall not be varied without the prior and written approval of the
Accountant General.

5.6.3 Imprest at the End of the Financial Year


(i) The authority to operate an imprest lapses at the close of the financial year.
(ii) Where circumstances prevent the appointment of a Board of Survey to check the imprest, the
imprest holder, shall provide a written account for the imprest held. This must be certified by
an appropriate senior officer.
(iii) Accounting Officers may at the end of the financial year require any or all imprest balances to
be surrendered to the Central Payment Account or may direct that they be rolled over to the

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new financial year. However, this must be surrendered to the Consolidated Fund in the new
financial year from that year’s budget as soon as possible.

5.6.4 Procedures for Termination of Petty Cash and Other Cash Imprests
(i) For termination of petty cash and other imprests except imprest bank accounts the following
actions must be taken:
(a) A proper reconciliation between the reimbursable expenditure and the cash or valuables
held with the authorised imprest amount;
(b) The Chief Audit Executive must certify the reconciliation;
(c) The cash or valuables held must be surrendered to the source of funding; and
(d) The Accountant General must be advised of the termination within two (2) weeks after
termination of the cash imprest.
(e) A copy of the certified reconciliation stating where the cash or valuables have been
surrendered, and the date of the surrender must be included in the information submitted to
the Accountant General.

5.7 Payment of Public Moneys

5.7.1 Disbursement Policy


(i) Public funds shall be disbursed only on approved government programmes, for which Votes
have been established in the Estimates of Expenditure.
(ii) The authorisation of Parliament is required for any necessary approved disbursement not
included in the Estimates of Expenditure. Such authorisation shall be done in the form of
supplementary estimates.
(iii) Any disbursements in the form of advances must be in respect of activities, which are related
to the approved government programmes.
(iv) Officials entrusted with disbursing public funds must underscore the principles of
operational efficiency, economy, and value for money. This means that disbursements
mustbe made without waste and extravagance. Further, the expenditure mustbe in line with
the MDA’s performance objectives.
(v) Efficiency includes the speed with which disbursements are processed. The general
turnaround time for processing disbursements shall be within thirty days from the date the
supplier’s invoice is received/accepted by the relevant MDA subject to the availability of
funds.

5.7.2 Certification and Approval


(i) No payment of public moneys shall be made as a charge on the Consolidated Fund
unless authorized by law or by a resolution of the Houses of Parliament.
(ii) In accordance with Section 19C of the FAA Act no payment shall be made from any
Consolidated Fund Bank Account or any other official bank account except it is
certified and approved by the Accountable Officer acting within the limits of his/her
authority.
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(iii)Such certification or approval must be given after the necessary steps are taken to
ensure that the payment is properly made in respect of goods and services delivered or
rendered in accordance with valid agreement/contract.
(iv) Agreements governing supply of goods and services shall be carried out in accordance
with the Government of Jamaica procurement guidelines.

5.7.3 Delegated Payment Functions


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Departments shall issue written instructions to
officers who are delegated the following functions:
(a) Authorisation of commitments;
(b) Signing of purchase orders;
(c) Certification of payments;
(d) Authorisation of payments;
(e) Verification of transactions on the CTMS Web Portal, and
(f) Signing of cheques;

5.8 Commitment Planning and Control

5.8.1 Commitment System


(i) Each Ministry shall put in place a proper system of commitment planning and control to
ensure that no commitment is entered into without first establishing the availability of
funds to meet the expenditure.

5.8.2 Authority to Commit Public Funds


(i) Accounting Officers shall in writing authorise appropriate accountable officers to commit
public funds up to the level of expenditure stated in the letter of assignment.
(ii) authorising public officers to commit public funds must have the following

“.......In accordance with the Financial Administration and Audit Act Instruction 5.8.2 you
are hereby authorized to commit expenditure in relation to the following
programme(s)/project(s)/activit(ies)

Program/Project/Actvities Amount

Accounting Officer

Date

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(iii) The Accounting Officer may where necessary revoke or amend any authorization
delegated for the commitment of public funds.
(iv) Copies of each letter of authorization or any revocation or amendment to such
authorization must be submitted to the Principal Finance Officer/Head of Accounts and the
Human Resource Director/Manager who shall note same and place on the officer’s
personal file.
(v) Public officers shall not commit the Government to any expenditure unless he/she has:
(a) been authorized in writing by his/her Accounting Officer/ or Head of Department; and
(b) advised in writing by the Commitment Control Officer, that funds were provided and
are available for the specific purpose of the proposed expenditure.
(vi) Failure to comply with this instruction shall render the officer concerned liable to
surcharge of a sum not exceeding the amount of the improper payment.

5.8.3 Types of Commitments


(i) Commitments shall be of two types as follows:-
(a) Inescapable Commitments or expenses that are unavoidable expenses in the short
run.Examples of these:
 statutory Payments- public debt, pension;
 personal Emoluments- salary & allowances;
 travelling allowances excluding mileage;
 unpaid bills brought forward from previous financial year;
 existing contractual obligations- rent, works, supplies, consultancy & service
contracts;
 Utilities;
 medical supplies;
 dietary requirements and food for hospitals, penal institutions and other
Government homes;
 Judgement debts;
 Fuel for police and other emergency Government vehicles and institutions
(b) Other Commitments or avoidable expenses. Examples of these are:
 expenditure for mileage over the approved limit;
 subsistence for local travel;
 overseas travel;
 stationery and some office supplies;
 capital goods;
 entertainment expenses;
 some maintenance expenses;
 workshops, seminars and some training;
(ii) The examples of inescapable other commitments are general and may not be applicable in
some instances to some MDA.

5.8.4 Commitment Manual


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Department shall adhere to the guidelines stipulated in the
Commitment Planning and Control Manual issued by the Financial Secretary.

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(ii) Commitment Control involves blocking or earmarking warrant funds against budgetary
allocations to ensure that funds are available to meet payments from these allcations when
they fall due.
(iii) Commitment planning involves planning expenditures at a high or strategic level based on
approved budgets. It involves reviewing and blocking expenditures against the budget of one
or more financial years particularly in respect of medium or long term contracts and other
obligations. Commitment Planning shall drive the Commitment Control exercise.

5.9 Payment of Public Moneys

5.9.1 Payment Voucher


(i) The official payment voucher is the document used to indicate authentication and
authorization of monetary transaction for payment of public funds. It is the permanent
official source document supporting all payments entries in the books of accounts.
(ii) Each payment of public money must be supported by a payment voucher or a claim which
must incorporate the following details:
(a) the head, the financial pattern, the fund source, the function/subfunction, the
programme/sub-programme, the project/subproject, the activity/subactivity, the object/
sub-object and detailed sub-object against which the payment is charged;
(b) the name and address of the person to whom the payment is made;
(c) the amount payable both in figures and words;
(d) the nature of the payment;
(e) the authority for payment.
(f) where appropriate, attached to the payment voucher must be a signed statement by the
relevant officer indicating that the service specified has been satisfactorily performed
or goods received in proper condition; and
(iii) Payment shall be made only on “original” copies of supporting documents.
(iv) Where payment is claimed on “duplicate” copies of supporting documents, payments
should be made only if:
(a) an authorised officer certifies that the original copy of the documents have been either
lost or misplaced; and also
(b) certifies that no payment on the original copy/copies has/have been made
If and when the original copy/copies is/ are found; it /they shall be cancelled and attached
to the relevant Payment Voucher on which the payment was made.
(v) The supporting bills/invoices/claims should be rubber stamped “paid” and its correctness
must be certified by an authorised officer.
(vi) All requests for payments must be submitted in writing and signed by an appropriate
accountable officer.

5.9.1.1 Certifying/Checking of Payment Voucher

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(i) All payments must be properly checked and certified by a designated officer to ensure
validity, accuracy and compliance with contracts, FIs and any other relevant statute and
regulation.
(ii) The signature of the officer authorized to certify payments is intended to be a guarantee of
the accuracy of every detail on the voucher.

5.9.1.2 Role of Certifying/Checking Officer


(i) The process of checking is to eliminate all clerical, procedural, arithmetical and other
errors thereby ensuring the correctness of the payment.
(ii) There shall be three types of checking to be executed for all payments. These are (1)
Procedural Check (2) Validity and Accuracy Check and (c ) Funds Check.

5.9.1.3 Procedural Check


(i) The checking officer must ensure that:
(a) the correct payment voucher form is used;
(b) an approved commitment requisition is present where required and it is signed by the
appropriate programme manager;
(c) the authority for the payment and the reference quoted are valid;
(d) in the case of the procurement of equipment, goods and supplies, thefollowing is
present:
(i) the relevant memo, letter or document from the Procurement Committee and/or
from any relevant procuring authority;
(ii) a certification statement that the goods have been received and in good
condition and taken on inventory:
(e) That the relevant original invoice, bill, statement, etc. is attached;
(f) whether all other departmental (internal) procedures have been complied with; and

5.9.1.4 Validity and Accuracy Check


(i) A detailed check must be done on the validity and correctness of all claims. This shall
involve checking the following:
(a) the correctness of the following:
(i) the date of claim, bill or invoice,
(ii) the accuracy of the calculation of the amount on the bill/invoice,
(iii) the accuracy of calculations of the quantity/dimensions on the invoice i.e. weights,
distance, volume and time, as the case may be;
(b) the correctness of the rates used and the amount payable and whether the full amount
or portions thereof have already been paid on a previous claim;
(c) the correctness of the payee’s name and whether such payee is entitled to the payment
and whether all amounts deductible from the claim have been correctly deducted;
(d) whether all the relevant provisions of the FAA Act, Regulations and Instructions, Staff
Orders for the Public Service and other relevant guidelines have been complied with;
(e) the correctness of the description of the payment,

77
(f) the correctness of the account code classification of the payment.

5.9.1.5 Funds Check


(i) Funds check is a manual or an electronic check on the warrant balance, appropriations-in-
aid fund balance and other authorised fund balance, to ensure that the necessary funds are
available to effect the payment.
(ii) No payment must be made if its fund source does not have adequate funds.

5.9.1.6 Certification of Payment


(i) The certifying officer shall ensure that:
(a) the person named in the voucher is the person entitled to receive payment;
(b) all authorized deductions from the amount payable have been made;
(c) the services specified have been duly performed;
(d) the prices charged are either according to contracts or approved scales, or are fair and
reasonable according to current local rates;
(e) the authority for payment is valid; and
(f) all calculations have been verified and that funds are available.
(ii) The Certifying Officer certifies to the propriety, probity, accuracy and validity of the
payment in all respects as indicated in the certification statement signed on the Payment
Voucher form, indicated below:
I certify that this voucher has been properly prepared; the payee(s) entitled to the amount stated herein, that the
rates and prices are fair and reasonable, the calculations are correct, according to regulations and contract, that all
taxes and other amounts deductible has/have been deducted and funds are available.

_________________________ ________________________________
Certifying Officer Authorising Officer

Date Date

5.9.1.7 Certification of Goods Received


Payments for goods must be supported by a certificate that the articles have been received
and, that they have been taken on in the appropriate inventory or stock record.

5.9.1.8 Authorisation of Payment


Authorising Officers are officers so designated by the Accounting Officer based on the
recommendation of the Principal Finance Officer or Head of the Accounts Department.

5.9.1.9 Role of Authorising Officer


(i) The authorizing officer approves financial transactions and authorises the updating or
posting of the accounts.
(ii) The authorizing officer must ensure that:
(a) checks executed by the certifying and checking officers have been properly carried
out;
(b) The transaction is correct, is proper and justifies:
(i) approval;
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(ii) entry to the accounts, (i.e. updating the accounts);
(iii) the release of funds; and
(iv) submission to the AGD for payment, electronic verification for payment, or the
issue of a cheque.

5.9.2 Unauthorised Payment


(i) A payment shall be deemed to be unauthorized where it conforms with all the provisions
of the FAA Act, the FAA Act Regulations and these Instruction except that it was not
certified and approved by the relevant or designated accountable officers.
5.9.3 Improper payments
(i) A payment shall be deemed to be improper where:
(a) it does not conforms with all the provisions of the FAA Act, the FAA Act Regulations
and these Instruction;
(b) it can be deemed to be waste, extravagant or nugatory;
(c) it is for expenditures not in line with the provisions of the MDA’s Estimates of
Expenditure;
(d) it is for expenditures that are not for the public good;
(e) there is evidence of conflict of interest or any unethical practice.

5.9.4 Disciplinary Action for Unauthorised/Improper Payment


(i) Where an unauthorized payment is made the culpable officers shall be labile for
disciplinary action.
(ii) Where an improper payment is made, the officer(s) who signs the voucher shall be held
responsible and may be liable to surcharge for the amount of the improper payment.

5.9.5 Notification of Payment


(i) Accountable Officers shall be responsible for notifying payees when their cheque is ready
or when payment has been sent electronically to their bank account.
(ii) In the case of electronic payment the notification can be in the form of an electronic mail.

5.9.6 Cash Payment Limit


(i) Where the circumstance warrants, the payment of public moneys in cash shall for the time
being be restricted to a limit of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) per transaction.
(ii) Cash payments shall not apply to payments in respect of salaries and wages.
(iii) All payments in excess of the approved limit must be made by cheque or through the
Central Treasury Management System (CTMS) or any other approved means.

5.9.7 Receipts from Payments


(i) An acknowledgment or a receipt, duly stamped where necessary must be obtained in
respect of each sum of public moneys paid by cash;
(ii) A receipt must be obtained in all cases where it is a legal requirement in respect of
payment made by cheque;
(iii)All receipts must be attached to the relevant payment voucher.

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5.10 Control of Cheques
(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Departments shall ensure that adequate safeguards exist
in their Accounts Branch for:
(a) the receipt, custody and issue of blank cheques;
(b) the custody, control and use of cheque printer;
(c) the signing of cheques;
(d) the custody, control and use of cheque signing machines; and
(e) the custody and delivery of signed cheques.

5.10.1 Cheque Inventory


(i) An inventory of each type of cheques maintained must be kept by the officer having
custody of such cheques showing:
(a) cheques received;
(b) cheques issued;
(c) cheques returned;
(d) cheques spoilt; and
(e) balance of cheques in stock
(ii) Cheque inventories must be maintained in numerical sequence based on the transaction
date.

5.10.2 Writing of Cheques


(i) Cheques written by hand, typed or printed by computer must:
(a) have the amount in words and figures agree;
(b) be written, typed or printed in such a way as to make alteration difficult if not
impossible;
(c) the amount in words should be written in full;
(d) the figures should be placed as close to the money sign ($) as possible; and
(e) a line or asterisk should be drawn, typed or printed through any blank spaces remaining
after the words and figures have been filled in.

5.10.3 Alteration of Cheques


(i) If an alteration is made on a cheque, the alteration must be confirmed by the signatures of
the drawers being placed as near to the alteration as possible.

5.10.4 Crossing Cheques


(i) A cheque may be crossed by drawing two parallel lines on the face of the top of the cheque
with the words “& Co” written between the lines.
(ii) All cheques sent by bearer or by post must be crossed except for salary cheques.

5.10.5 Cheque Signing


(i) Cheques must be signed by two authorized officers unless special authority has been
obtained from the Financial Secretary or where cheques are prepared and signed by a
mechanical device.

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(ii) Counterfoils or copies of all cheques, where available, must be retained as reference for
not less than five (5) years.

5.10.6 Cancelled Cheques


(i) If for any reason a cheque is to be cancelled the word “cancelled” must be written across
the face of the cheque and holes punched in the section bearing the account number
(ii) Copy cheque stub and/or counterfoil must also be marked cancelled and kept securely for
reference.

5.10.7 Lost Cheque


(i) In cases where a payee has received a cheque and has reported it lost or mislaid, the payee
must sign a letter of indemnity using the appropriate formbefore a replaced cheque is
issued.
(ii) Where an indemnity is given, it should be properly stamped and placed in a secured place
as it will be required to support any claim made on the payee, should both cheques turned
up cashed.
(iii) Before a replacement cheque is issued the Accounting Officer/Head of Department must
issue a “Stop Notice” to the bank on which the original cheque was issued and get the
bank’s confirmation that:
(a) the original cheque has not been cashed; and
(b) the“Stop Notice” instruction has been noted by the bank.
(iv) The full cost of the “Stop Notice” charged by the bank must be borne by the payee or the
person responsible for the lost cheque.

5.10.8 Unclaimed Cheque


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Departments must ensure that cheques prepared are
delivered to clients within ten (10) working days after preparation.
(ii) Cheques held and not collected for a period of twenty (20) working days or cheques
returned unclaimed must be examined to ascertain the whereabouts of the payee and based
on the circumstances may be:
(a) written back to the account on which it was drawn; or
(b) lodged to the Departmental Deposits Bank account.

5.10.9 Stale Dated Cheques


(i) stale dated cheques are cheques issued for six (6) or more months that have not been
presented to the bank.
(ii) cheques that have become stale must be removed from the Cash Book (i.e. Bank Account)
by the following accounting entries:
Bank Account Debit
Stale dated Cheques Account Credit
(iii) a stale-dated cheques subsidiary ledger must be kept to record detailed information related
to each payee such as name of payee, cheque number, date of payment and amount.

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(iv) the stale-dated cheque account in General Ledger must be reconciled monthly with the
stale-dated cheques subsidiary ledger .
(v) when stale-dated cheques are reissued the entries at (5.10.10) (ii) must be reversed and the
relevant entry in the stale-dated cheques subsidiary ledger cancelled..
(vi) the balance on the Stale-dated Cheques Account is a liability of the MDA that must be
carried forward from one financial year to another.
(vii) held in the Stale-dated Cheques Account forsix (6) or more years, must be transferred to
the Accountant General’s Miscellaneous Revenue Bank Account.

5.10.10 Destruction of Unused Cheques


(i) Whenever the destruction of unused cheque leaves is contemplated the following procedures
must be adopted:
(a) Prior written approval for the destruction of unused cheques must be received from the
Accounting Officer or the relevant accountable officer.
(b) The request for destructionn must indicate the following:
 name and number of the relevant bank account;
 bank and branch at which the account is held;
 purpose for which the account is held;
 sequence and total number of cheques to be destroyed; and
 reason(s) for requesting permission to destroy cheques.
(c) On receipt of permission from the accounting or relevant accountable officer, a Board
of Survey comprising the following members must be constituted:
 a senior member of the Accounts Department who must not be the custodian of the
cheques; and
 two other A permanently appointed officer, not being members of the internal Audit
or Accounts Department.
(d) Having constituted the Board of Survey, the Board must:
 obtain the list of cheques to be destroyed. The list must contain individual cheque
sequence i.e. it must include the first cheque number and the ending cheque number
in the sequence. The number of cheques in the sequence must also be shown.
 the list must be checked against the physical stock of cheques to determine that the
particulars and total number of physical cheques agree with the list.
 the physical cheques must then be removed from the cheque inventory with the
relevant notation – number of cheques issued, cheque sequence and signatures –
being made by the custodian and the person receiving the stock of cheques to be
destroyed.
(e) Having conducted the Board of Survey, the members must draw a line through each
cheque leaf; tear the signature signing area or stamp “cancelled” across the face of each
cheque. The physical cheques must then be destroyed, in the presence of members for
the Board of Survey, by burning, or shredding;

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(f) A certificate attesting to the fact that the cheques were destroyed and detailing the
specific tasks performed must be prepared, signed by the members of the Board of
Survey and submitted to the Accounting Officer;
(g) At the end of this process a report detailing the procedures employed and including a
copy of the certificate produced by the Board of Survey must be submitted to the of the
Accountant General and the internal auditor of the relevant MDA;
(h) Additionally, where the destroyed cheques relate to an official bank account that has
been closed the following documents must accompany the report to the Accountant
General:
 A copy of the letter to the bank containing the instructions to close the account;
 A copy of the final bank reconciliation statement; and
 Detail of how any credit balance on the account at the date of closure was accounted
for.

5.11 Confidential Expenditure


(i) Expenditure from provision in the Estimates of Expenditure for services of a confidential
nature, the purpose and particulars of which cannot be divulged, must be supported in the
accounts by a certificate of payment given by the Accounting Officer or his designate and
a declaration that he has satisfied himself that the money has been properly expended.
(ii) The certificate referred to at (5.11) (i) may, without further enquiry, be accepted by the
Auditor General as proof that the payment mentioned therein has been properly made.
(iii) Confidential Expenditure may include but not limited to the following:
(a) purchase of services
(b) purchase of evidence
(c) purchase of specific information
(d) other expenses, if disclosed may compromise the investigation or identity of an
undercover or other security operations
(iv) Funds to meet Confidential Expenditures called “Confidential Funds” may be disbursed on
an Imprest basis to specified accountable officers upon approval by the relevant
Accounting Officer.
(v) Confidential Funds must not be used for the purchase of equipment and other capital
goods.
(vi) Confidential Funds must be closely monitored by the relevant Accounting Officer and
must not be spent on any item of expenditure that is of an unofficial or “non-
confidential” nature.
(vii) All reimbursement of the confidential Imprest must be authorized by the relevant
Accounting Officer.
(viii) Confidential expenditures must be contained within the limit of the Estimates of
Expenditure.
(ix) Any proposed Confidential Expenditure for payment of five hundred thousand Jamaican
dollars and above or foreign currency equivalent thereof to a single person or organization

83
whether as a single payment or the sum total of a series of payment must be submitted
under confidential cover to the Minister for prior approval. Such approval where granted
shall be given in writing under confidential cover.
(x) The Minister shall be provided quarterly by the Accounting Officer under confidential
cover a summary of the confidential expenditures made in the quarter. The report must
state the following:

Date of Payment Purpose of Payment (National Interest) Amount

Total Confidential Payment for Quarter $

(xi) The Minister may where considered appropriate direct the Financial Secretary to issue
instruction barring any accounting or accountable officer from making any further
Confidential Expenditures.
(xii) A copy of the Financial Secretary’s instruction at (5.11) (xi) must be submitted to the
Auditor General.

5.12 Government Funded Credit Card

5.12.1 Authority for Use


(i) The acquisition of Government funded credit cards for use both locally and overseas by
Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers must have the
prior and written approval of the Financial Secretary.

5.12.2 Application for Credit Card


(i) The request to the Financial Secretary for approval to operate a credit card must be submitted
to Accountant General by the Permanent Secretary/Heads of Department and Chief
Executive Officer and must provide the following information:
(a) Justification/need for the card;
(b) Name and post of person who will be authorized to use the card;
(c) Whether the applicant has the use of any other Government funded credit card;
(d) Name and address of the bank from which the credit card is being sought;
(e) Proposed credit limit on the card;
(f) Interest rate and fees to be applied by the bank as a result of late payments;
(g) Source of funding for the credit card;
(h) Brand of card required;
(i) Currency of card;
(j) Whether the card is a single or dual-currency card. and

84
(k) The name and post of the accountable officer responsible for monitoring and
reporting on the use of credit cards within the ministry, department, agency or public
body in accordance with Instruction 5.12.9.
(ii) Public Bodies that are self-financing must obtain written approval from their Board for the
operation of a Government funded credit card. Notwithstanding this, public bodies must
abide by all the principles outlines in these Instructions

5.12.3 Types of Government Funded Credit Cards


(i) Credit cards shall be of two types:
(a) General Credit Cards (GCC) – issued for general purpose such as payment of subscription
fees, payment of goods and service or other business transactions for which credit card is the
mode of payment requested by the vendor or is a more efficient and economical method of
payment.
(b) Individual Credit Cards (ICC) – issued to authorised persons to include Ministers of
Government, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers.

5.12.4 General Credit Cards (GCC)


(i) All payments made through the use of GCC shall be in accordance with the rules and
guidelines concerning the payment of public funds.
(ii) A Ministry, Department, Agency (MDA) or public body shall not have more than one (1)
GCC account with not more than two card holders. Each card holder shall have a unique
account/sub account of the GCC account to reflect their individual credit card transactions.
(iii) A GCC holder may be issued to any of the following accountable officers: Principal
Finance Officer, Director of Finance, Director of Administration/ Corporate Services or any
other appropriate accountable officer designated by the Permanent Secretary, Head of
Department or the Chief Executive Officer of an Executive Agency or Public Body.

5.12.5 Individual Credit Cards (ICC)


(i) An ICC shall be cards issued only to Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries,
Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers of Executive Agencies and Public
Bodies and shall be used only for the purposes described at (5.12.7).
(ii) The holder of an ICC shall not also have a GCC.

5.12.6 Credit Limit


(i) Credit cards that have an unlimited credit ceiling shall not be permissible.
(ii) The credit card limit on GCC and ICC must not be more than that stipulated at Appendix10
and shall be determined by the Accountant General subject to the approval of the Financial
Secretary.
(iii) Where the credit card is denominated in a foreign currency, the credit limit to be applied
shall be determined by the Accountant General subject to the approval of the Financial
Secretary based on an assessment of each individual request.

85
(iv) In very special circumstances the Accountant General subject to the approval of the
Financial Secretary may authorise credit card limit in excess of that stated at Appendix 10,
either on a permanent basis or for a specific period of time.
(v) The approved credit limit or ceilings must be communicated by the MDA to the credit card
company by the relevant MDA or Public Body.
(vi) Under no circumstances shall the credit limit be increased or varied without the prior written
approval of the Financial Secretary. Where the bank automatically increases the limit, they
must be instructed to immediately revert the card to the limit approved by the Accountant
General/Financial Secretary.
(vii) In special circumstances where it is required to use the GCC to make a purchase in excess of
the approved limit the Permanent Secretary, Head of Departments or Chief Executive
Officer may authorise the deposit of the required additional funds to the credit card account
to effect the transaction.
(viii) Where a credit limit is exceeded, MDAs and public bodies shall not pay the excess amount
and/ or any other attendant costs to the bank unless approved by the Accountant General. If
not approved, the excess must be paid by the cardholder. Where the excess is not paid by the
cardholder he/she shall be liable to surcharge.

5.12.7 Use of Credit Card


(i) Cash advances on Government funded credit cards shall not be permitted under any
circumstances. Where this is done, the matter must be reported immediately to the
Accountant General and the Financial Secretary.
(ii) Individual Credit Cards (ICC) shall be used for the purposes of meeting unforeseen or
unavoidable and other Government official expenditures. It must not be used for private and
personal expenses.
(iii) Credit Cards may also be used while on official visit abroad to meet unforeseen expenditures
that could not have been provided for in the per diem allocated.
(iv) General Credit Cards are authorized for use only for official, legitimate and necessary
Government expenditures which in the circumstances cannot be conveniently met through
the normal payment process or is more efficiently and effectively made through the use of
the credit card and which can be verified or substantiated.
(v) Any expenditure met by use of Government funded credit cards that do not satisfy the
conditions of this section shall be deemed as private and personal and must be reimbursed
promptly by the card holder along with any accrued interest charges. The matter must also
be reported immediately to the Accountant General, Financial Secretary and the Auditor
General.
(vi) The GCC facility must not be used to circumvent the system of commitment control and to
cause expenditure in excess of budgetary allocation.
(vii) Arising from the fact that the nature of credit cards causes expenditure to be incurred prior
to commitment being recorded, accountable officers must implement strict control measures
to prevent waste and extravagance in the use of the Cards, and to ensure that expenditures
are kept within budgetary allocations.
(viii) Instances of extravagance or deviation from these guidelines in the use of Government
funded credit cards must be reported immediately to the Accountant General, Financial
Secretary and the Auditor General.

86
5.12.8 Credit Card Bills
(i) Bills, invoices, statements, sales draft, transaction receipts must be presented to the relevant
Accounts Branch to substantiate all credit card expenditures. The bills, invoices etc. must be
certified that goods or services were satisfactorily received.

5.12.9 Credit Card Monitoring and Control


(i) Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers of Executive
Agencies and Public bodies must ensure that an accountable officer is assigned the
responsibility for the monitoring and control of Government funded credit cards within the
ministry, department, agency or public body. This officer shall be referred to as the Credit
Card Administrator (CCA).
(ii) Credit card statements must be sent by the bank directly to the CCA and not to the
cardholder or any other officer in the MDA or public body.
(iii) The CCA must :-
(a) obtain from cardholders all bills, sales draft, invoices, statements, transaction receipts etc.
in respect of all credit card purchases and shall check same to ensure that the purchases are
for valid official purposes.
(b) prepare monthly reconciliation between the amounts claimed by the bank for payment and
the bills/sales drafts etc. submitted by the cardholder.
(c) Monitor the Accounts Department to ensure that all legitimate credit card payments are
made in full to the bank on or before the due date thereby avoiding finance charges.
Where finance charges accrue, the CCA or any officer responsible for the delay in
payment shall be held liable for payment of such charges.
(d) Submit quarterly report to the Accountant General
on credit card operations for the quarter as shown at Appendix 33 report must be submitted
no later than fourteen (14) working days following the end of the quarter.

5.12.10 Validation and Safekeeping


(i) Credit cardholder must immediately sign card upon receipt.
(ii) Each cardholder is responsible for the safe custody of the card.
(iii) When the card’s expiration date has passed and/or after the cardholder has received a new
card, the expired card should be returned to the CCA for it to be destroyed.
(iv) Government funded credit card shall not be transferred/assigned or used by anyone other
than the designated cardholder.

5.12.11 Suspension, Transfer and Termination of Card


(i) The use of credit cards must be suspended when the cardholder is on vacation leave or when
so directed for whatever reason by the Accountant General, Permanent Secretary, Head of
Department, and Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of the Public Body. The bank must
be promptly advised to effect any such suspension.
(ii) The Financial Secretary must be promptly informed of all suspensions of the use of credit
cards and the reason(s) thereof.
(iii) Government Funded credit cards must be terminated immediately when the authorized
cardholder:

87
(a) dies;
(b) is declared bankrupt or mentally unsound;
(c) is interdicted by the Public Services Commission;
(d) is convicted of a criminal offence; and
(e) resigns, retires, is dismissed, or is separated from office in any other way.
(iv) When a decision is made to terminate the use of a Government funded Credit Card, the
following procedures shall apply:
(v) The issue of written instruction to the bank terminating the card with immediate effect;
(vi) The issue of written instruction to the cardholder to return the card to the CCA;
(vii) The CCA obtain a final statement from the bank and reconcile it with the receipts and charge
slips;
(viii) The Accountant General be advised of the termination of the card, submitting copies of:
(ix) the letter to the bank terminating the card;
(x) the letter to the cardholder to return the card; and
(xi) the final reconciliation statement detailing any amounts outstanding and any amounts owed
by the cardholder for personal or unauthorized use. The final reconciliation statement
submitted must be certified by the Chief Internal Auditor.

5.12.12 Lost or Stolen Cards


(i) Lost or stolen Government funded credit card must be promptly reported to the bank, the
Accountant General, the Financial Secretary and the Auditor General. The report must state
the following:
(a) the date the card was lost or stolen
(b) whether the loss or theft was due to negligence on the part of the cardholder
(c) the action recommended to be taken in respect of the lost or stolen card.
(d) the account number and the expiry date of the card.

5.12.13 Penalties
(i) Penalties for breach of Instruction 5.12 and any false information knowingly submitted to
the Accountant General in respect of the application or operation of the card shall cause any
of the following actions:
(a) termination of card;
(b) recovery of charges; and
(c) surcharge and/or disciplinary action by the Public Services Commission or by the Board
of the relevant public body.

5.13 Payroll Disbursements and Allowances

5.13.1 Monthly Payments


5.13.1.1 Emoluments
(i) For the purpose of the FAA Act “Emoluments” mean all compensation payable to the holder
of an office or employment, which may include the payment of money or other valuable
consideration.

88
5.13.1.2 Period of Payment
(i) The payment of salary to monthly paid employees of Government shall be in respect of each
calendar month.

5.13.1.3 Pay Day


(i) Monthly paid employees of Government shall be paid salaries and allowances attached to
posts on the 25thday of each month except in the following cases:
(a) where the 25th falls on a Friday, Saturday , Sunday or Monday in which case the pay day,
shall be the Thursday immediately preceding the 25th; and
(b) for the months of December and March the Financial Secretary shall issue specific
instructions regarding the date for payment.

5.13.1.4 Computation of Salaries:


(i) For the purpose of calculating salary for a portion of the month, the officer should be paid
for the number of working days (a public holiday should be regarded as a working day) as a
fraction of the total number of working days in that month times the monthly rate, as per
example below:

August 1 - August 30, 2016

21 35800
𝑥 = 34172.73
22 1
5.13.1.5 Payroll Register
(i) Monthly salaries shall be made on the basis of a payroll register prepared, checked, balanced
and authorized by the respective accountable officers to whom the duty has been delegated.

5.13.1.6 Mode of Payment


Payment must be made by cheque or by crediting the employees’ bank accounts.

5.13.2 Weekly/Fortnightly Paid Wages


5.13.2.1 Period of Payment
(i) The payment of wages to weekly and fortnightly paid employees of Government shall be in
respect of each calendar week or fortnight respectively.

5.13.2.2 Pay Day


(i) The payment of wages to weekly and fortnightly paid employees of Government shall be
made on the Friday preceding the end of the week or fortnight except:
(a) where such Friday is a public holiday in which case payment shall be made on the Thursday
preceding the end of the week or fortnight; and
(b) for the latter weeks or fortnight during the months of December and March in which case the
Financial Secretary shall issue specific instructions regarding the date for payment.

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5.13.2.3 Computation of wages
(i) Wages for periods of less than one week shall be calculated as a fraction of five (5) days.

5.13.3 Salaries Paid by Accountant General


(i) The Accountant General shall upon request from entities or upon the instruction of the
Financial Secretary pay monthly salaries on behalf of ministries and departments.
(ii) Ministries and departments shall take over the preparation of their payroll from the
Accountant General subject to the approval of the Financial Secretary. The request for
approval must indicate the following:
(a) the reason for wanting to prepare entity’s payroll;
(b) method planned for doing own payroll, highlighting the controls to be put in place to
ensure accuracy and timeliness;
(c) the additional cost if any; and
(d) the type and name of software to be used.

5.13.4 Payroll Changes


(i) It is the responsibility of the Accounting Officer to notify the Accountant General of the rates
of salaries and allowances to be paid and of the deductions to be made from officers’ salaries
from time to time as well as the dates on which such salaries, allowances and deductions
should cease.

5.13.5 Closed Period for Changes


(i) The Accountant General shall stipulate the “closed period” for monthly salaries during
which no changes in pay information will be accepted for adjustment.
(ii) Variations in pay notified to the Accountant General during the closed period shall not be
taken into account in the current pay period, but will be taken into account and reflected in
the payroll for the succeeding month.

5.13.6 Out of Time Payment


(i) The Accountant General shall not make individual payments on account of salary outside of
the regular pay procedure.
(ii) Where a department considers it necessary that an officer should receive pay “out of time”
the Department shall instruct the Accountant General to make such payment which should
be charged in the Department’s books as an advance to the officer.
(iii) Every such advance shall be immediately notified to the payroll section of the Accountant
General with a request that the sum advanced be deducted from salary payable to the officer
in respect of the next regular pay period, and that the amount be refunded to the department.

5.13.7 Leave Salary Paid in Advance


(i) In cases where the payment of salary in advance is approved and paid to an officer
proceeding on vacation leave, the payroll section of the Accountant General must be advised
promptly.

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5.13.8 Payroll Register
(i) The Accountant General shall submit copies of the payroll register to the relevant client
ministries and departments advising them of particulars of the salaries and deductions for
each employee.

5.13.9 Salaries Control Register:


(i) MDAs shall maintain a salaries control record, which should indicate what payroll payments
ought to be made by the Accountant General.

5.13.10 Balancing Payroll Register


(i) The payroll register must be reconciled with the Payroll control record.

5.13.11 Funding of Salaries Bank Account & CPPS


(i) Ministries and departments must issue payment request each month to the Accountant
General stating the amount of their gross salaries for the funding of their salaries bank
account. This must be done within the time stipulated by the Accountant General.
(ii) The operation of Salaries Bank Account shall be phased out and replaced by the operation
of the Central Payroll Payment System (CPPS) where net pay and payroll deductions are
paid by the Accountant General through the Central Payment Account (CPA). (See CPPS
User Instruction Manual).
(iii) MDAs must close their Salaries Bank Account when the CPPS is fully implemented for all
their payrolls.

5.13.12 Pensions and Allowances


5.13.12.1 Date of payment
(i) Pensions, compassionate payments and related allowances payable shall be paid on the 25th
day of each month except in the following cases:
(a) where the 25thfalls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday in which case the pay day,
shall be the Thursday immediately preceding the 25th
(b) for the months of December and March in which case the Financial Secretary shall
issue specific instructions regarding the date for payment.

5.13.13 Statutory and Other Deductions


5.13.13.1 Record of deductions
(i) Statutory and all other authorized deductions from pay must be shown in the payroll register.

5.13.13.2 Payment of deductions


(i) The amounts deducted from pay shall be paid to the authorized organisation or credited to
the appropriate Government accounts within five (5) working days of the effective date of

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deductions or earlier as per the requirements of the statutes under which the deductions are
effected.

5.13.13.3 Statutory deductions


(i) The following shall be regarded as “statutory deductions”:
(a) Income Tax (PAYE);
(b) National Insurance Contributions;
(c) National Housing Trust contributions;
(d) Family Benefits Pension contributions;
(e) Provident Fund Contributions; and
(f) Education Tax.

5.13.13.4 Other Government Deductions


(i) The following shall be regarded as “other Government deductions”:
(a) Recovery of Overpayments;
(b) Repayment of Motor Car Loans;
(c) Repayment of Motor Vehicle Insurance Loans;
(d) Repayment of Salary Advances;
(e) Repayment of Miscellaneous Loans;
(f) Repayment of Computer Loan;
(g) Repayment to Students’ Loan Bureau;
(h) Repayment of Tertiary Loan;
(i) Rental of Government Quarters; and
(j) Repayment of any other amounts due to Government.

5.13.13.5 Private Deductions


(i) MDAs are authorised to deduct from salary the following “personal deductions”:
(a) Contribution to Group Health Insurance Scheme;
(b) Life insurance premium;
(c) General insurance premium:
(d) Contributions to thrift societies and credit unions;
(e) Contribution to pension and superannuation funds operated by an approved financial
institution
(f) Contribution to charitable and voluntary organisations;
(g) Union dues;
(h) Alimony payments and other deductions as per court orders;
(i) Contribution to ministry/department sports and social club of staff Association, and
(j) Any other authorised personal deductions.
(ii) Under no circumstance whatsoever shall there be any deduction from salary for hire
purchase instalments, payments of utility or other personal bills.

5.13.14 Statutory Deductions Payable Form


(i) MDA’s, Educational Institutions and Regional Health Authorities must submit the
Statutory Deduction Form to the Accountant General’s Department by the 19th day of
each month (see Appendix 17,Statutory Deductions Payable), stating the actual amount

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payable for Income Tax, Education Tax, NIS employees’ and employer’s contributions,
NHT employees’ and employers’ contributions.
(ii) Statutory Form must be submitted to the Ministry of Finance no later than ten (10)
working days of the month in which the salary is paid. Educational Institutions, Regional
Health Authorities and Outstations must submit Statutory Deduction Form to their
portfolio Ministry within five (5) working days of the month to be incorporated in the
overall submission to the Ministry of Finance.
(iii) The Accountant General’s Department shall through Intra-Government Transfer and
otherwise effect payment of the deductions and advise TAJ and MDAs and public
entities accordingly.
(iv) The TAJ shall issue receipts to MDAs and other relevant public entities for the statutory
deductions paid.

5.13.14.1 Statutory Deductions Reconciliation


(i) MDAs must prepare monthly reconciliation to ensure that the correct amount for statutory
deduction is paid. Where an error occurred, that is, the amount paid is greater or less than
the amount payable; the MDA must do the necessary adjustment (s) in the subsequent
month.

5.13.15 Deposit of Net Pay


(i) MDAs may accept orders from public officers to deposit their net pay to any of the
following institutions;
(a) Local commercial banks licenced by the Bank of Jamaica (BoJ)
(b) Financial institutions licenced by the Financial Services Commission (FSC)
(c) Organisations registered by the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Society

5.13.16 Irrevocable Order


(i) Irrevocable Orders shall be accepted from any of the financial institutions stated (i) above
and any other financial institutions authorised by the MOF.
(ii) Where an irrevocable order for payment to an authorised financial institution is submitted,
this shall be accepted provided that the order states that the Government:
(a) shall not be held liable for the debt(s) of the employee,
(b) is authorised to recover all debts owed by the employee to the Government from
sums owed to him/her before transfer of his/her net salary to the designated financial
institution, in circumstances where the employee dies or become separated from the
service.
(iii) Where MDAs has doubts about the terms and conditions of an irrevocable order, the advice
of the MDA’s legal officer must be sought before acceptance of such an order.
(iv) Where an irrevocable order for transfer of salary is accepted, MDAs must ensure that the
necessary systems and procedures are in place to enforce the Order.
(v) An Irrevocable Order Register must be maintained for all Orders accepted, and the following
information recorded therein:
(a) name of the Employee,
(b) the date of the Order,

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(c) the name of the officer accepting the Order,
(d) the financial institution to which the payment is to be made and
(e) the expiry date of the Order
(vi) Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments may prescribe a monthly and fortnightly
threshold which employee’s net salary must not fall below when accepting irrevocable
orders. Where an Order, if accepted will cause an officer’s net salary to fall below the
prescribed threshold, the Order shall not be accepted.
(vii) Where an irrevocable order is in force, MDAs must ensure that the order is executed for:
(a) all months or fortnights including those for which salary is paid in advance re-
vacation leave
(b) all salaries paid to persons on suspension, or interdiction.
(viii) MDAs that are paid by the AGD shall be responsible for signing, accepting and submitting
Irrevocable Orders to the AGD for execution and for maintaining the Irrevocable Order
Register.
(ix) MDAs shall charge employees a non-refundable processing fee of five hundred dollars
($500.00) before signing and acceptance of any Order. This fee must be collected and paid
over to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue.
(x) The non-refundable processing fee shall not be applicable in respect of deduction orders
from banks, credit unions, building societies, insurance companies and other
licensed/registered financial institutions. It shall be a one off payment charged for new
irrevocable standing orders submitted by approved unregulated financial institutions only.
Variations to an existing standing order shall not attract a processing fee.

5.13.17 Financial Institutions added to GOJ List of Approved Salary Deduction


entities
(i) Financial institutions requesting approval to be added to the list of entities for which
Government will accept salary deduction orders must submit a written application to the
Financial Secretary
(ii) Approval may be granted if the criteria stated at Appendix 37 are satisfied.

5.13.18 Salary Overpayment


(i) All overpayment of salary must be reported to the Accountant General, The Financial
Secretary and the Auditor-General immediately upon discovery. The report should indicate
the following
(a) The name and grade of the officer overpaid;
(b) The amount of the overpayment;
(c) The cause of the overpayment; and
(d) The method of recovery of the overpayment.
(ii) The Accounting Officer/Head of Department or agency shall be responsible for ensuring that
the full amount of any overpayment of salary is recovered within the financial year to which
the overpayment was discovered, or at such other time that would be considered fair and
reasonable after careful assessment of the payee’s financial position.
(iii) The Accounting Officer/Head of Department shall determine the repayment schedule based
on the following:
(a) The amount of the overpayment;

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(b) The nature of the overpayment and whether it is reasonable to believe that the officer
was aware of the overpayment;
(c) The repayment schedule the officer is able to afford; and
(d) The likelihood of the officer to be separated from the service.

5.13.19 Salary in Advance


(i) Accounting Officer and Heads of Department may authorize advances to public officers for
salary and allowances in respect of the following:
(a) approved vacation leave to a maximum of two pay period for officers paid on a
monthly basis or fortnightly basis; or
(b) amounts short-paid on salary and allowances.
(ii) Recovery of these advances must be done by deductions from salary beginning in the month
subsequent to the one in which the advance was made.

5.13.20 Recovery of Debt


(i) On the transfer to another government entity, retirement, resignation, dismissal or death of
an officer the outstanding balance of any advance or debt due to the Government must be
recovered in full from any amounts due to the officer or his estate.
(ii) If such money is insufficient to cover the debt to Government, the Accountant General must
be informed immediately so that the amount may be recovered from any pension, gratuity,
provident fund payment or compassionate payment which may be made to the officer or his
estate.
(iii) In the case of a transfer to another government entity the Accounting Officer or the head of
entity has the authority to recover from the officer’s salary, all sums due as advance or debt
to the government.
(iv) In the case of death of an employee while in the service, a sum equivalent to the salary,
allowances, all accumulated vacation and recalled leave to which he/she would have been
entitled shall be paid to their legal representative. Payments shall be at the rates prevailing at
the date of death.
(v) In the case of resignation of an employee from the public service he/she shall be paid for all
accumulated leave and any recalled leave to which he/she is entitled on the effective date of
resignation. Payments shall be at the rates prevailing at the date of resignation.

5.14 Communication – Human Resource, Salaries Unit and Section Head


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Department must ensure that there is an adequate system
of communication between their salaries section, human resource section and section heads.
(ii) The following communication guidelines shall be implemented:
(a) whenever an officer is granted vacation or paid study leave, the human resource must advise
the officer’s head of section and the salaries section in writing, indicating the date the officer
is to resume duties;
(b) the Salaries Unit and section head must give written acknowledgement of the receipt of such
advices;

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(c) similar advices and acknowledgement must be given whenever any other occurrences
affecting officers’ entitlement to salaries arise (e.g. promotions, seniority payments, no pay,
half pay or quarter pay leave, acting appointments, retirement, resignations or dismissals);
(d) the Salaries Unit must note leave particulars, resumption dates or other relevant data on
officers’ salary cards;
(e) the Salaries Unit must not pay salaries and allowances beyond the period of approved leave
without receiving written instruction from the human resource section that the officer has
resumed duties;
(f) where the resumption date falls on a pay day, or immediately after a pay day, or within a
period which would prevent the payment of salaries for that entire pay period, consideration
shall be given for payment of the salary provided human resource have advised that the
officer have sufficient vacation leave to cover the entire pay period;
(g) the human resource section must maintain control records indicating leave granted to
officers and the resumption dates. Such records should be closely monitored to identify
instances where officers fail to resume duties on the stipulated dates;
(h) All officers granted vacation leave, study leave and half pay or quarter pay leave must advise
the human resource section in writing through their section head of their resumption of
duties;
(i) section heads must immediately advise the human resource section in writing where officers
fail to resume duties from leave on the stipulated dates; and
(j) where an overpayment occur as a result of non-communication , the relevant officer may be
surcharged for the amount overpaid where there is a loss to the Government .

5.15 Travelling Allowance

5.15.1 Motor vehicle Documents


(i) Travelling allowances shall not be paid unless the motor vehicle for which the
allowance is being claimed is registered by the relevant Ministry/Department or
Agency for payment of such an allowance. To register the vehicle travelling officers
must submit to the Human Resources Division (HRD) of their MDA valid copy of
the following documents: :-
 Motor vehicle Registration Certificate;
 Motor Vehicle Insurance Certificate or proof of insurance;
 Motor Vehicle Certificate of Fitness;
 Travelling Officer’s Driver’s Licence or that of his/her designated chauffeur;
 Declaration for assignment of use of the motor vehicle as shown at
Appendices A and B.
(ii) The HRD shall examine the documents at (5.15.1) (i), and if they are valid and in
order, advise the Accounts Branch of the relevant travelling allowance to be paid to
the officer.
(iii) Upon replacement of motor vehicle, travelling officers must submit to HRD, the
documents at (5.15.1) (i) for the new vehicle.

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(iv) HRD shall have the right to request documents at (5.15.1) (i) from travelling officers
at any time to verify their validity.
(v) Upon expiration of any of the documents at (5.15.1) (i), the travelling officer, must
submit to HRD, copies of the new documents.
(vi) Where the HRD find any of the document(s) at (5.15.1)(i) to be invalid, they must
issue a notification to the travelling officers to submit the relevant valid document
within thirty (30) working days from the date of the notification. Documents become
invalid when the grace period, if any, allowed by the relevant law has expired.
(vii) If the valid document(s) requested through notification at (5.15.1)(vi) is/are not
received within the stipulated period, the HRD must notify the Accounts Branch for
the travelling officer to be paid at the rate of the applicable transport allowance
payable to persons who do not own or in possession of a motor vehicle.
(viii) The notification at (5.15.1) (vii) shall take effect from the month following the date
when the valid documents requested are to be submitted. For example, if the expiry
date for the submission of the valid document is July 25, 2016, and this is not done,
the travelling allowance for August 2016 and all months thereafter should be paid at
the reduced rate until the valid documents are submitted. The difference between the
travelling allowance and the reduced rate shall be recoverable only if the documents
submitted were valid during the period.
(ix) The motor vehicle registered for payment of travelling allowance and its requisite
documents must be available for inspection at any time during working hours and
within a reasonable time determined by an authorised officer of the Ministry,
Department or Agency.
(x) The authorised officer at (5.15.1) (ix) shall be the Chief Internal Auditor or his/her
designate, certifying officer or any other person authorised by the Permanent
Secretary, Chief Executive Officer or Head of Department.
(xi) Where a motor vehicle is owned jointly by a travelling officer and another person,
the travelling officer may register the motor vehicle for payment of travelling
allowance by submission of the relevant documents listed at Instruction (5.15.1) (i).
The declarations at Appendices 21 and 22 shall not be required in this circumstances.
(xii) Registration of a jointly owned motor vehicle shall be approved on the condition that
the travelling officer has free and unencumbered use of the motor vehicle for the
performance of his/her official duties and no travelling allowance is being claimed by
the joint owner of the said motor vehicle.
(xiii) Where a travelling officer received duty concession and owns another motor vehicle,
he/she must register and use the motor vehicle for which the duty concession was
granted to perform his/her official duties.
(xiv) Where a travelling officer’s registered motor vehicle is stolen, written off or is being
repaired for extended periods, he/she may seek approval from the Permanent
Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer to use another motor
vehicle owned by him/her by registering same in accordance with (5.15.1) (i) above.
(xv) Where a travelling officer acquired a motor vehicle through a finance lease or hire
purchase and the ownership of the vehicle is vested in the lessor but will be transferred to
the officer on the repayment of the loan, such motor vehicle shall be permitted to be
registered for the purposes of obtaining motor vehicle travelling allowance.

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(xvi) In order for the HRD to do a proper evaluation of (5.15.1) (xiv), the lease/hire purchase
agreement must be submitted along with the documents at (5.15.1)(i). On completion of
the lease arrangement, the travelling officer must submit the relevant documents showing
that ownership has been transferred to him/her.

5.15.2 Motor vehicle Not Owned by Travelling Officer


(i) Where a travelling officer does not own a motor vehicle but is in possession of one and
uses it to perform his/her official duties free of any encumbrances, approval must be
sought from and granted by the Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief
Executive Officer for the officer to be paid the applicable travelling allowance.
(ii) The Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer may approve
the request based on the following guidelines:
(a) An application for payment of travelling allowance must be submitted to the
Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer through the
HRD by a travelling officer who is in possession of a motor vehicle and wishes to
use it in the performance of his/her official duties.
(b) The application must be supported by:-
(i) A signed declaration by the owner of the motor vehicle as shown at
Appendix 21; and
(ii) A signed declaration by the travelling officer as shown at Appendix 22.
(c) The declarations stated at Instruction (5.15.2) (ii)(b) must be witnessed by a Justice
of the Peace.
(d) The HRD shall examine:
(i) The declarations, the motor vehicle registration and certificate of fitness as
well as the travelling officer’s driver’s licence or that of his designated
chauffeur to ensure their validity.
(ii) The motor vehicle insurance certificate to ensure that the officer who is
seeking permission to drive the motor vehicle is covered by the insurance
policy.
(e) The HRD must ensure that the assigned motor vehicle is not registered as a:
(i) Company motor vehicle;
(ii) Commercial motor vehicle;
(iii)Public passenger motor vehicle; or
(iv)Rental motor vehicle.
The use of the above motor vehicle is prohibited for the purposes of payment of
travelling allowance.
(iii) The HRD on completion of its examination of the application at (5.15.2)(i),shall if the
documents submitted are found to be in order, advise the Accounts Branch of the
following:
(a) The assigned motor vehicle registration and its approval for use for payment of
travelling allowance
(b) Attached to the post of the relevant travelling officer and the effective date,
(iv) The use of motor vehicles assigned to travelling officers by virtue of declarations at
Appendices 21 and 22 must be renewed annually by the travelling officer but shall not be
extended for a period exceeding three (3) years.

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5.15.3 Travelling Claims
(i) Travelling officers in possession of a motor vehicle, which is used to perform official
duties, must submit travelling claims for each month as stipulated by Staff Order
(11.4.1).The claim shall be done using Form P6 – Transport Allowance Voucher. (See
Appendix 25).
(ii) Travelling allowance and mileage are reimbursable expenses to be paid based on the
relevant claim submitted to the Accounts Branch by the date stipulated by the
Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer.
(iii) A travelling claim submitted for a period in excess of three (3) months for payment,
requires the prior approval of the Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief
Executive Officer following recommendation by the HRD as to its validity and the
provision of an acceptable reason for its delay in submission.
(iv) Every travelling claim must be checked, and signed by an appropriate senior officer
certifying that :
(a) the officer is in possession of a motor vehicle registered for official travel;
(b) the motor vehicle was driven by the officer in the performance of his/her official
duties; and
(c) the trips for which the officer is claiming mileage were done for official duties
and the mileage claimed is accurate.
(v) A certifying officer shall be held liable along with the travelling officer for any claim
paid where it is found that the travelling officer was ineligible for the full allowance for
the period of the claim, or where the mileage paid was inaccurate or the trips were not
made.
(vi) Travelling officers shall be eligible to make a claim for chauffeur’s allowance at the
prescribed rate where the officer is: -
(a) unable to drive due to a disability; or
(b) unable to drive due to medical reasons.
(vii) Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer must grant prior
approval for the engagement of a chauffeur by a travelling officer.
(viii) The request for approval for payment of a chauffeur’s allowance must be submitted to
HRD and be supported by a medical certificate attesting to the disability or medical
condition of the travelling officer.
(ix) The chauffeur’s allowance shall be paid to the travelling officer at the applicable rate in
addition to the relevant travelling allowance, mileage and toll charges.
(x) Claims for payment of a chauffeur’s allowance must be supported by a certificat e that a
paid chauffeur was employed for the period in respect of which the claim was made (see
Appendix 23 - Chauffeur’s Certificate Form).
(xi) Chauffeur’s allowance must be discontinued or not paid where the travelling officer:
(a) no longer has a medical condition preventing him/her from driving;
(b) for whatever reason is relegated to payment of travelling at the reduced rate
payable to travelling officer without a motor vehicle.
(c) embarks on vacation or any other leave of absence from work.
(xii) Travelling officers who are not using their motor vehicles or motor vehicles referenced in
Instruction (5.15.1) to perform their official duties, shall be paid travelling allowance at the

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applicable transport allowance payable to travelling officers who do not own a motor
vehicle.
(xiii) Where travelling allowance is to be paid for a portion of a month the calculation shall be
based on calendar year as shown below:

number of days for which the allowance is payable xtravel rate


365/366 days

(xiv) Claim for mileage in respect of travelling must be based on the most appropriate and
direct route. Where an officer is unable to use the most appropriate and direct route a
written reason must accompany or be placed on the claim form. Mileage in respect of
circuitous journeys must not be accepted for payment unless satisfactory reasons are
provided.
(xv) Where an officer is required to travel to perform official duties, the claim for mileage
must be from the point of departure being residence or the official place of work,
whichever is nearest to the destination.
(xvi) Travelling Officers should be paid mileage from his base of employment as defined by
the relevant accountable officer of the MDA.

5.15.4 Loss or Disposal of Motor vehicle


(i) Where a travelling officer has lost his/her motor vehicle or has disposed of it, he/she
must immediately inform the HRD of the date of the loss or disposal of the motor
vehicle.
(ii) Travelling allowance shall be terminated immediately on the date of disposal of the
motor vehicle if the officer has not provided the HRD with motor vehicle documents for
a replacement motor vehicle. The officer shall be paid travelling at the applicable
transport allowance payable to travelling officers who do not own a motor vehicle until
documents of a replaced motor vehicle are provided to HRD.
(iii) Travelling officers whose vehicle has been stolen must submit a report to HRD along
with a copy of the report from the police station where the loss was reported. Full
travelling allowance shall be paid for a period not exceeding (60) working days from the
date of the loss. At the end of this period the officer shall be paid travelling at the
reduced rate unless his/her vehicle has been recovered and put back in use or the officer
has registered another vehicle to perform his official duties in accordance with (5.15.1)
above.

5.15.5 Motor vehicle Out of Service


(i) A travelling officer whose motor vehicle, registered for travelling allowance in
accordance with 5.15.1 is out of service and is undergoing repairs shall continue to be
paid his/her travelling allowance for a period not exceeding twenty-five (25) working
days providing the officer is not being paid an alternative travelling allowance in
accordance with Staff Order 11.3.7.
(ii) In circumstances where the repairs are not completed after the twenty-five working days
referred to at (5.15.5)(i), the Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief
Executive Officer may grant approval for payment of travelling to be continued for an

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additional period not exceeding sixty (60) working days in total, providing the officer is
not being paid an alternative travelling allowance in accordance with Staff Order 11.3.7.
(iii) Where a travelling officer motor vehicle was engaged in a major accident and a decision
is to be made by the insurers whether the vehicle is to be written off, the officer shall be
paid full travelling for a period not exceeding sixty (60) working days from the date of
the accident. At the end of this period the officer shall be paid travelling at the reduced
rate paid to persons who do not own a motor vehicle unless:-
(a) his/her vehicle has been repaired and put back in use; or
(b) the officer has registered another vehicle to perform his official duties in
accordance with (5.15.1).

5.15.6 Partially and Fully Maintained Motor vehicles


(i) Eligible officers who elect to operate a partially or fully maintained motor vehicle shall
not be required to submit motor vehicle documents.
(ii) Officers who elect to operate a partially maintained motor vehicle must be paid only the
appropriate percentage of allowance.
(iii) Officers who elect to operate a fully maintained motor vehicle must not be paid a
travelling allowance.

5.15.7 Travel Register


(i) Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers shall be
required to maintain a Travel Register for recording all particulars in respect of
travelling allowance and mileage paid to each travelling officer.
(ii) The Travel Register shall be kept on a continuous basis and shall not be closed for each
financial year. See Appendix 24 for sample of the format of the register.

5.16 Reimbursement of Toll Charges

5.16.1 Officers to be Reimbursed


(i) Reimbursement of toll charges shall be made to the following officers;
(a) Travelling officers and public officials who are assigned fully or partially maintained
motor vehicles,
(b) Drivers of official or fleet vehicles,
(c) Public officers who are not travelling officers and are authorized to use their personal
vehicles to perform official duties.

5.16.2 Requests for Reimbursement


(i) Request for reimbursement of toll charges must be claimed on the appropriate P6 or P8
Form (see Appendix 31.
(ii) The official toll receipt(s) must be:
(a) signed by the relevant certifying officer as to its validity; and
(b) attached to the appropriate Form at (i) above.

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5.16.3 T-Card (Toll Card)
(i) Toll accounts may be opened and T-cards obtained in respect of any emergency, official or
fleet vehicles that will require regular journeys on toll roads.
(ii) Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Departments must authorize
the operation of toll accounts.
(iii) The Transport Manager must keep a register of all T-Cards obtained (see Appendix 36).
The account number that is printed on the card must be entered in the Register.
(iv) The Transport Manager must obtain a monthly statement from each toll operator for each T-
Card and use this to prepare a monthly reconciliation with the motor vehicle’s Daily
Assignment Record of the T-Card usage.
(v) Where the T-card is used for any unauthorized journey, the charge(s) must be recovered
from the responsible driver.

5.17 Human Capital Management Enterprise System (HCMES)


(i) MOF shall implement on a phased basis throughout the entire public sector an integrated
Human Capital Management Enterprise System which consists of human resources and
payroll .
(ii) MDAs shall not be authorised to procure any new payroll or human resource system during
this period. They shall continue to use their existing systems and await the roll out of the
HCMES in their ministry, department, agency and public body.
(iii) The Instructions herein shall be revised where necessary to facilitate the operation of the
HCMES.

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6 PUBLIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

6.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

None
II. Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part II: Consolidated Fund Bank Accounts


Article 6: Investment of Moneys: The Minister may by directions in writing to the Accountant-
General authorize the temporary investment of sums ….

Part IIA: Loans and Advances


Article 14C: Investments: The Minister may, with prior approval of the House of
Representatives, authorize the Accountant-General to purchase shares in any company with
money from the Consolidated Fund.

III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015

None
IV. Fiscal Responsibility Framework Regulations (FRFRs) 2012, as amended 2015

Public Investment Management System

Regulation 2:
(1) A public entity within the specified public sector shall not enter into a commitment to
undertake a public investment project without the written approval of the Cabinet.
(2) A public entity within the specified public sector that proposes a project for inclusion in
the Public Sector Investment Programme (hereinafter called the “PSIP”) shall submit the
proposal to the Public Investment Secretariat (hereinafter called the “Secretariat”) for
assessment and appraisal.
(3) Upon receipt of the proposal, the Secretariat shall conduct an assessment and appraisal
of the project to determine whether the project is –
(a) consistent with the strategic objectives of the Government;
(b) technically, financially, economically and environmentally feasible; and
(c) satisfies the criteria set out in the Fourth Schedule of the Act.
(4) After assessing and appraising the project in accordance with subsection (3), the
Secretariat shall submit a report thereon to the Public Investment Management
Committee (hereinafter called the “PIMC”) within the time specified in Financial
Instructions issued by the Financial Secretary under section 51 of the Act.
(5) Upon receipt of the report on the project submitted under paragraph (3), the PIMC shall:
(a) review the report; and

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(b) submit a recommendation to the Cabinet in respect of the project within the
time specified in Financial Instructions issued by the Financial Secretary
under section 51 of the Act.
(6) A public entity within the specified public sector that is desirous of undertaking a public
investment project shall forward such details on the project as may be prescribed or
required by the Cabinet and the recommendation of the PIMC under paragraph (5)(b) to
the Cabinet for approval.”.

6.2 Financial Instructions


The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions
regarding the above Law and Regulations as at the date of publication. Further information with
regards to these Instructions can be accessed from the Government of Jamaica’s Public
Investment Management System operational guidelines.

6.3 Definitions
The following definitions are the current interpretations that are critical to the understanding of
the Public Investment Management System and its purpose and coverage, with respect to the
public sector.

“Public Investment” Any non-recurrent expenditure on goods, works and services carried out
by any public entity within the specified public sector on its own, or by one or more such public
entities through Public-Private Partnerships, and which is aimed at accumulating new physical or
intangible assets or enhancing human resource capacities, or improving or rehabilitating existing
physical or intangible assets or human resource capacities, to achieve development objectives.

“Public Investment Management Committee” This committee, the membership of which shall
be appointed by the Cabinet, shall have responsibility for:
o the screening of all investment proposals for feasibility and consistency with
government's strategic objectives;
o reviewing all projects for technical, financial, economic and environmental
feasibility;
o prioritizing projects for financing and recommending to Cabinet their inclusion in
the PSIP; and
o reviewing project performance, monitoring risks to the achievement of objectives
and continued relevance to government's policy priorities.

“Public Investment Management Secretariat” The Unit that shall undertake the assessment of
project proposals presented for screening and appraisal, and provide technical support and advice
to the PIMC to facilitate its decision making.

“Public Investment Management System” The Fourth Schedule of the FAA Act defines the
PIMS as the common framework for the preparation, appraisal, approval and management of all

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public investments in Jamaica, irrespective of the source of funding or procurement and
implementation modalities.

“Public Investment Project” A public investment requiring planning, execution, monitoring


and evaluation carried out as an integrated set of activities aimed at meeting a development
objective, at specific costs and within a defined timeframe.
“Public Sector Investment Programme” A rolling five-year plan of Cabinet-approved, new
and ongoing prioritized public investment projects, reviewed on a regular basis against –
o the strategic objectives of government;
o the fiscal and debt sustainability agenda;
o prevailing socio-economic and environmental conditions; and
o the implementation status and technical capacity of executing agencies.

“Specified Public Sector” The public sector not including any public body certified by the
Auditor-General, in the manner specified in regulations made under section 50(1), as primarily
carrying out functions that are of a commercial nature that satisfy such criteria as may be
specified in such regulations.

6.4 Common Governance Framework for Public Investment


(i) There are eight fundamental parameters that together comprise a Governance Framework
for the PIMS. These parameters are:
1. authority to commit to undertake a Public Investment Project;
2. one entry point for Public Investment Project Proposals;
3. full disclosure on all expenditure related to the Public Investment Project;
4. an established process for inclusion in the PSIP, and the prioritization of projects
within the PSIP;
5. justification for continued inclusion in the PSIP;
6. responsibility of MDAs to provide timely and credible information on
Project/Programme status;
7. rigorous review of all Project Proposals; and
8. results Based Monitoring and Evaluation.

6.4.1 Authority to Commit to Undertake a Public Investment Project


(i) No commitment must be given without the Cabinet having first approved, by way of a
recommendation from the Public Investment Management Committee, to approve said
public investment project.

6.4.2 One Entry Point for Public Investment Project Proposals


(i) Every public investment proposal/project must first be submitted to the PIMSEC at the
Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) which is the Secretariat to the PIMC, regardless of
whether it is intended to be financed by a grant, loan, government resources or PPP.

105
(ii) Each submission receives an entry number that is then used to record the project. If the
project is deferred or rejected and is re-submitted at a later point in time, that entry is
there for cross-referencing.
(iii) There is a standard template known as a Project Concept Summary (PCS) on which all
proposals should be presented that sets out the basics or minimum requirements needed
for the PIMSEC to make an assessment, at the point of entry. That is to say no Ministry,
Department or Agency (MDA) should be in receipt of a grant/loan without a proposal
being submitted to the PIMSEC using a PCS.
(iv) The PIMSEC will evaluate each proposal independently and confirm the requisite
funding source: Central Government, Public Body within the specified public sector,
International Development Partner (IDP) or a Public Private Partnership (PPP), or a
combination of these sources.
(v) The PIMSEC will make its recommendations to the PIMC using the Project Concept
Evaluation (PCE) form.
(vi) For PPP projects, only after a proposal has been reviewed by the PIMC and a
recommendation made to consider the proposal as a potential PPP can the proposal then
be forwarded to the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ)/Ministry of Finance (MoF)
PPP Units, for a screening of the project using the PPP criteria.
(vii) PPP proposals must not enter the PIMS through the DBJ or the MoF. All proposals must
be submitted to, or referred to, the PIMSEC, by the respective MDA for appraisal and
pre-selection. It is this appraisal that results in a determination as to whether or not the
project should be treated as a traditional procurement or a PPP.

6.4.3 Full Disclosure on all Expenditure Related to the Public Investment Project
(i) All public investment proposals/projects must, as a precondition of appraisal by the
PIMSEC, represent both the associated capital and recurrent costs, during the project’s
(or programme’s) life as well as after completion. This is to ensure that the PIMC and the
Cabinet can make decisions for planned expenditures based on full information.
(ii) A project proposal cannot indicate that it has no indicative recurrent cost and then, after
approval for inclusion in the PSIP, the proponents seek to introduce additional costs into
the budget.
(iii) Such an occurrence has fiscal implications and would result in the PIMC deliberating to
make a recommendation to Cabinet on whether or not to rescind the approval and remove
the project from the PSIP.
(iv) Full disclosure starts with the Corporate Plan. To ensure proper planning and budget
alignment, all public investment projects should be reflected in the MDA’s Corporate
Plan.

106
6.4.4 An Established Process for Inclusion in the PSIP
(i) An MDA must complete a PCS for a new project which includes all the information
required in the PCS (minimum content requirements), including an options analysis as to
funding modality.
(ii) An MDA must first send its PCS to the PIMSEC for an initial appraisal to determine if
the concept should be developed into a full project proposal.
(iii) Once the PIMC gives approval for further development, including
(a) pre-feasibility studies;
(b) feasibility studies; or
(c) preparation of Business Case for PPPs; and
(d) completion of all technical analysis, the project is then returned to the PIMSEC and
the PIMC for final determination as to whether or not inclusion in the PSIP is
merited.
(iv) Unsolicited proposals (USPs) can only enter the PSIP from the entry point of the
PIMSEC and have to be introduced as unsolicited Expressions of Interest (UEoI), using
the PCS template.
(v) Approval to develop full project proposals does not mean that there will be endorsement
for inclusion in the PSIP. Each stage undergoes an appraisal/evaluation.
(vi) A determination of the source of funding for a project is an important element of the
development of the full project proposal. This determination is made by:
(a) Public Expenditure Division at the MOF in the event of a Government funded (or
Capital A) project;
(b) Public Enterprises Division at the MOF in the event of a public body funded project;
and
(c) Economic Management Division in the event of an externally funded project.
(vii) Unfunded projects will not be included in the PSIP.

6.4.5 Justification for Continued Inclusion in the PSIP


(i) Approval for inclusion in the PSIP provides entry but not necessarily permanent inclusion
or continuity.
(ii) Each project, both new and ongoing, is reviewed at least once per quarter with respect to
the following key parameters:
(a) the strategic objectives of the government;
(b) the fiscal and debt sustainability agenda;
(c) prevailing socio-economic and environmental conditions; and
(d) the implementation status and technical capacity of executing agencies
(iii) This to ensure the public is getting value for money with respect to public investment and
to ensure that projects that have the capacity to perform are not crowded out by under-
performing projects.

107
6.4.6 Responsibility of MDAs to Provide Timely and Credible Information
(i) In order for the PIMS to function effectively and deliver value for money in public
investment, there is need for timely and credible information to allow for various public
entities, including the PIOJ and the MOF, to evaluate performance and take corrective
action.
(ii) Information is needed to update the Cabinet, the Parliament and the people of Jamaica on
how public investment is delivering on outcomes that were promised to the country.
(iii)Lack of information undermines the process of full disclosure on public investment
performance. Where projects do not provide timely information, it may hinder their
continuation in the PSIP.
(iv) The Public Investment Management Information System (PIMIS) which is being
established requires regular reporting from MDAs on projects. Project managers will
enter information almost weekly.
(v) In addition to the PIMIS, project managers are required to enter information monthly on
the physical stage/ state of activities to support warrant requests and verify expenditures.

6.4.7 Rigorous Review of All Project Proposals


(i) There are various mechanisms for rigorous review, at various stages of the process,
including the entry and end point for the PIMS:
(a) there is regular internal review of the PSIP by the Projects Branch (ex post), at the
MoF, in terms of physical and financial achievements.
(b) there is review of the PSIP in the Annual PSIP Policy Paper with a view to improving
the performance of the PSIP, advising Cabinet of adjustments and the prioritization
criteria to use to determine both the size and composition of the PSIP (ex post).
(c) there is review during the process: at entry, during the process to determine if a
project should proceed to project proposal development, after feasibility or other
study and Business Case, and after inclusion in the PSIP.
(ii) The various processes reinforce each other and are inputs to the Cabinet taking a decision
on what new projects should be included in the PSIP and what should be done within the
existing PSIP to extract the greatest value from public investment.

6.4.8 Results-Based Monitoring & Evaluation


(i) As part of the process of maintaining the PIMS, the PIMSEC keeps detailed
documentation given its responsibility for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for the
PIMS.

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7 ASSETS AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

7.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

Chapter VIII Finance:


Section 119:
(1) The public debt of Jamaica is hereby charged public on the Consolidated Fund.
(2) In this section references to the public debt of Jamaica include references to the interest on
that debt, sinking fund payments and redemption monies in respect of that debt and the costs,
charges and expenses incidental to the management of that debt.

II. Finance Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part IIA: Loans and Advances


Section 14B: covers the processes for permitting, accounting for and recovering loans and
advances.
Section 14C: covers the purchase of shares by the Accountant-General.

Part V: Government Property


Sections 35 to 39: cover the processes for acquisition, management and disposal of government
property.
Section 40: covers the establishment and use of a “Supplies Fund”.

Part VIII: General


Section 49: covers loss and destruction of government property.

Public Debt Management Act (PDMA), 2012


Definitions:
"Loans"includes debt obligations arising under Government Securities and any other financial
obligations approved by the Minister as a loan for the purpose of this Act.

"Public body"means any of the following:


a) Ministry, Department, Executive Agency or other agency of Government;
b) a local authority;
c) a statutory body or authority; and
d) a Government company.

"Public debt"means all financial liabilities created as a result of borrowing or guarantees by the
Government and includes Government Securities.

Section 9: Loans
(1) The authority to raise 'loans for or on behalf of the Power of Minister to Government
vests solely in the Minister.
(2) The Minister may, from time to time in accordance with this Act and for the purposes set

109
out in Section 10, raise loans in the name, and for or on behalf, of the Government,
whether inside or outside of Jamaica, in Jamaican currency or foreign currency.
(3) The Minister may, with the consent of the lender making a loan referred to in subsection
(2), where such consent is contractually required, and upon such terms and conditions as
the Minister may determine.
III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015

Part VI : Loss of Public Property


Regulations 78 – 88 - cover all aspects of loss of public property
Regulation 95: If an officer freely accepts financial responsibility for a loss, the officer may
offer to pay the amount back into the Consolidated Fund or the relevant public fund, in which
case the department responsible for disposal of the loss may-
(1) Accept the offer to repay, if the disciplinary offence is not serious enough to necessitate
further proceedings against the officer; or
(2) Accept the offer in mitigation of the offence with the repayment being considered as a
fulfillment of any penalty that may be imposed.
Regulations 102 to 109: cover the reporting aspects of loss of public property.

Part VIII: Government Property


Regulations 113: cover the instructions on the management and control of Government
property.
Regulations 113 – 129: provides for management of government property including sale.
Regulation 139:Safeguarding private property in lawful custody of Government.

Handing Over
Regulations 130 to 132: covers the process of handing over public property.
Sale of Government Property
Regulations 133 – Financial Secretary’s authority for sale of government property.
Regulation 134: Where the assets of a public body that receives fifty per cent or more of its
funds from the Consolidated Fund are disposed of, the net proceeds of sale shall be paid into
the Consolidated Fund unless approval is granted by the Financial Secretary for retention of the
funds or any portions thereof.
Regulation 135: A public body that is self-financed or received less than fifty per cent or more
of its funds from the Consolidated Fund whose assets are disposed of, may retain the net
proceeds of the sale.
Insurance
Regulation 141: Where a public property that was lost damaged or stolen, collect from
insurance claims, a sum of money towards the loss, this amount shall be paid over to the
Consolidated Fund unless approval is given by the Financial Secretary for the amount to be
used to set-off replacement of the property.

7.2 Financial Instructions


The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions
regarding the above Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous Instructions,
Circulars as listed at the end of the document and or any other publication is considered
incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is covered in this document.

110
7.3 Asset Management

7.3.1 Maintenance of Asset


(i) Accounting Officers shall be responsible for keeping proper inventory records of all
stationery, consumable stores, furniture, office machines, equipment, plant and
machinery, lands, buildings and other government assets including those received as
gifts and private properties placed in government’s custody.
(ii) Private property in the Government’s lawful custody shall be safeguarded and kept on
a separate inventory which shall include the following details:
(a) the date taken into custody;
(b) the name of the owner of the property and any other related person associated to
the property; and
(c) the description and condition of the property including serial number, make,
model, brand, inter alia; estimated value of the property.
(iii)Private property in the Government’s custody shall be treated with the same care as
government property.
(iv) Officers found in breach of (7.3.1) resulting in a loss to the Government shall be
liable to be surcharge in accordance with Section 20 of the Act for the amount of the
loss or any other disciplinary actions deem appropriate by the Accounting Officer or
by the Financial Secretary..
(v) Accounting Officers shall cause an investigation to be carried out before any
disciplinary action is taken.

7.3.2 Nature of Inventory Record


(i) Records should show the description of assets, the date of acquisition, original cost,
location, issues for consumption, transfers and sale or write-off.
(ii) With regard to furniture, office machines and equipment the inventory records shall
be maintained as prescribed in the procedures manuals issued by the Financial
Secretary.
(iii)The register of lands and buildings shall be kept in a separate record and reconciled
with the records of the Commissioner of Lands at least once per year. A copy of the
reconciliation report must be submitted to the Commissioner of Lands, Auditor-
General and the Financial Secretary

7.3.3 Insurance of Government Property


(i) Government property that are insured (i.e. Central Government, Local Government,
Executive Agencies and all Public Bodies) must have the insurance procurement
process conducted in accordance with the Handbook of Public Sector Procurement
Procedures Volume 4.http://www.mof.gov.jm/procurement/revised-handbook-of-
public-sector-procurement.

111
7.3.4 Physical Verification
(i) Physical verification of all assets shall be conducted at least once in a financial year
by an officer assigned by the Accounting Officer. The officer assigned to conduct the
verification must not be the officer responsible for maintaining the records.
(ii) The findings of the assigned officer must be reported to the Accounting Officer and
where discrepancies are found a report must be submitted to the Financial Secretary
and the Auditor-General.

7.3.5 Annual Status Report on Fixed Assets


(i) Accounting Officers shall be responsible to provide information on the status of their
asset and to submit specific data concerning motor vehicles, office equipment and
furniture to the Financial Secretary within four (4) months after the end of each
financial year. (See Appendix 34)

7.3.6 Sale of Government Property


(i) The Financial Secretary may authorise the sale of certain Government property
including furniture, equipment, fixtures, inventory, stores, supplies and other assets by
way of:
(a) public tender;
(b) auction, subject, in the case of serviceable materials and equipment, to a minimum
price determined by a suitable qualified person independent of the department
controlling the items to be sold; or
(c) Sale at fixed prices approved by the Financial Secretary.

(ii) The proceeds of sale of government asset shall:


(a) In the case of MDAs be paid into the Consolidated Fundunless the Financial
Secretary authorised the net proceeds of the sale or portion thereof to be applied
to assist in the replacement of the asset or to be applied to some specified
purpose.
(b) In the case of a public body that receives fifty per cent or more of its funds from
the Consolidated Fund the net proceeds of sale shall be paid into the
Consolidated Fund unless approval is granted by the Financial Secretary for
retention of the funds or any portions thereof.
(c) In the case of a public body that is self-financed or received less than fifty per
cent or more of its funds from the Consolidated Fund may retain the net proceeds
of the sale.

7.3.7 Furniture and Equipment


(i) Inventory records must be maintained for all Government-owned furniture and
equipment. The inventory should incorporate:
(a) fully utilized equipment;
(b) partially used equipment;
(c) idle equipment; and
(d) obsolete equipment to be recommended for Boards of Survey.

112
7.3.8 Security of Accounting Machinery, Equipment and Records
(i) Equipment such as cheque signing machines, franking machines, and other valuable
items must be properly secured.
(ii) The Principal Finance Officer or Head of Accounts Department shall be directly
responsible for safeguarding all accounting records, computers and other machines
used in the accounting system from natural disaster as well as from theft, burglary,
vandalism, arson etc.

7.3.9 Transfer of Furniture Office Machine and Equipment


(i) Under no circumstances must furniture and equipment be transferred whether by
temporary or permanent relocation from one MDA to another, without the prior
consultation and approval of the Financial Secretary.
(ii) The request for redeployment of Government assets must be accompanied by a list of
all the assets stating their description, inventory number and serial number where
applicable.
(iii)Appropriate notations must be made in the records of the Ministry/Department from
which the transfer took place, showing the date, and the place to which the items were
transferred. Similarly, the receiving Ministry/Department must update its records to
include the transferred assets.
(iv) Where required, a valuation exercise must be undertaken before a request for transfer
is made to the Financial Secretary.

7.3.10 Inventory Management


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Departments shall be responsible for implementing
and maintaining an effective, efficient and economical system for the management
and security of inventory at all locations, this shall include:
(a) physical security to prevent theft, pilferage and waste;
(b) maintenance of proper stores record for receipt and issuing of stock items;
(c) establishing a reorder level for each item of stock based on usage and pattern;
(d) ensuring that officers approving purchases ascertain the current stock level at all
locations before approving purchases; and
(e) ensuring that all purchases conform to the government procurement guidelines.
(ii) Where inventory management software is to be acquired, prior approval must be
obtained from the Financial Secretary.

7.3.11 Government Owned Motor Vehicles


(i) Government’s comprehensive motor vehicle policy for the public sector which covers
the management of all Government-owned vehicles including fleet vehicles and
assigned vehicles must be strictly adhered to..
(ii) Assigned Government-owned vehicles including those in the judiciary shall be
comprehensively insured.
(iii)Government shall carry its own risk in respect of fleet vehicles except where
circumstances dictate otherwise.

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7.4 Accidents Involving Government-Owned Motor Vehicles

7.4.1 Duties of Driver re: Accident


(i) For the purposes of these instructions “Government driver” shall mean any person
duly approved for driving a Government owned motor vehicle.
(ii) The driver of a Government-owned motor vehicle, whether he/she is employed as a
driver, or is the driver of a fleet vehicle, or the assignee of a motor vehicle, when
involved in an
(iii)
(iv) must adhere to the following procedure:
(a) If the accident involves another party or person’s property, never admit liability;
(b) Report the accident within twenty-four hours from the time of the accident to the
police;
(c) Obtain details of the other vehicle, such as:
(i) name of owner;
(ii) name of driver at time of accident
(iii) name of owner's insurance company;
(iv) licence number of vehicle;
(v) make of vehicle
(vi) damage sustained; and
(vii) nature of injury to person(s);
(d) At the earliest possible time, submit a detailed written report to the Transport Manager
of his/her ministry/department;
(e) Drive or arrange to have the vehicle towed to the premises of his/her
ministry/department; and
(f) At no time should the vehicle be taken to a garage for repair.

7.4.2 Duties of Transport Manager re: Accident


(i) In respect of a motor vehicle accident the Transport Manager shall receive accident
reports from:
(a) the Government driver;
(b) passenger(s) in the Government vehicle;
(c) any eye witness(es) at the scene of the accident;
(d) the other drivers’ Report;
(e) the Police Accident Report;
(ii) If the vehicle is insured, the accident must be reported to insurer at the earliest
possible time;

114
(iii)personally examine the vehicle and record all damages done to it (i.e. engine; body
and all other parts of the vehicle);
(iv) obtain an estimate from an approved garage of the cost to effect repairs; and
(v) obtain an Assessors’ report from an approved Motor Vehicle Assessment provider.

7.4.3 Submission to Legal Officer


(i) The Transport Manager must collate all documents relating to the accident and submit
same to the MDA’s legal officer for advice. The submission must include the
following:
(a) The Accident Data Form;
(b) The Government Driver’s report;
(c) The Government passengers’ reports;
(d) Eye-witnesses’ reports;
(e) The other drivers’ report, if received;
(f) The Police receipt of the accident Report;
(g) The Police Accident Report, if received;
(h) A diagram illustrating the position of the vehicle(s) at the time of the accident;
(i) The Estimate of repairs to the Government Vehicle;
(j) The Assessors’ Report from an approved Motor Vehicle Assessment Provider;
(k) A statement from the Transport Manager on whether the driver was authorised to
drive the vehicle at the time of the accident and whether the accident occurred
while he/she was discharging his/her official duties; and
(l) A statement from the driver of the Government owned vehicle, that permission
was given to drive the vehicle where he/she is not a Government employed driver.

7.4.4 Submission to Accounting Officer


(i) The Transport Manager should also submit a report of the motor vehicle accident to
the Accounting Officer, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer.

7.4.5 Submission to Attorney General


(i) The MDA’s legal officer must where considered necessary submit his/her legal
opinion to the Attorney General along with the documents at (7.4.3) for an opinion
regarding culpability.
(ii) MDA may effect repairs to the damaged vehicle upon submission of the documents
listed at (5.2.3) above, pending the ruling of the Attorney General. The opinion of the
MDA’s legal officer must be sought before repairs are effected to the vehicle.

7.4.6 Submission to the Financial Secretary/Auditor-General


(i) The Accounting Officer, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer must report
the accident forthwith to the Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General.

7.4.7 Submission of Claim to Insurers


(i) Where the Government owned vehicle is insured and was involved in a motor vehicle
accident, the required documents must be submitted to the insurance company

115
promptly for a settlement to be made at the earliest possible time. An opinion from the
Attorney General regarding culpability is not necessary for vehicles that are insured.
(ii) Where the driver of the Government owned vehicle was not at fault and a claim is
likely to be made against the other party to the accident and/or his insurer, the insurer
should be notified in writing before the repairs are effected.
(iii) Where the insurers have provided settlement for the Claim, the amount received must
be:
(a) used to effect repairs to the vehicle if the vehicle has not yet been repaired;
(b) used to reimburse the MDA for the amount spent on repairs to the vehicle if the
repairs were paid for in the current financial year;
(c) lodged to Miscellaneous Revenue, if the repairs to the vehicle were done in a
previous financial year in case of Ministries and Departments.
(iv) Where the settlement received from the insurers is in respect of Government vehicles
that have been written off, approval must be sought from the Financial Secretary to
utilize the funds to assist in the procuring of a replacement vehicle. This shall be
subject to the availability of funds.

7.4.8 Liability of Government Drivers/Transport Manager


(i) Where the Government vehicle is not insured and the Government driver is deemed
by the Attorney General to be liable and negligent, the full cost or portion thereof to
repair the Government vehicle and vehicle(s) and/or property(ies) of the other parties
involved in the accident must be recovered from the driver and/or disciplinary action
as deemed appropriate by the Accounting Officer.
(ii) The appropriate amount to be recovered from the driver must be determined by the
Accounting Officer, Head of Department or the Chief Executive Officer in
accordance with the FAA Act, Financial Management Regulations 2011,Regulation
82.
(iii) Where the Government vehicle is insured and the driver is deemed by the insurance
company to be liable and negligent, the excess cost of repairs to be borne by the MDA
must be recovered or portion thereof from the driver and/or disciplinary action as
deemed appropriate by the Accounting Officer be executed.
(iv) Where the Government driver or Transport Manager fails to comply with Instruction
7.4, disciplinary action shall be imposed on the officer and/or a recommendation
made for the officer to be surcharged for any loss incurred by Government as a result
of the officer’s non- compliance with the Instructions.

7.5 Hiring or Rental of Motor Vehicles


(i) Except in cases of dire emergency, no ministry or department shall enter into a
contract for hiring of a motor vehicle, from any rental agency or individual without
the specific permission from the Financial Secretary.
(ii) Where the emergency dictates that such a course of action is imperative, the contract
should not be for more than three (3) days. The covering approval of the Financial
Secretary must be obtained and the circumstances for the emergency hiring reported.

116
(iii) In submitting requests for approval to hire, full particulars of the reasons for the hiring
shall be given and the contract period indicated.
(iv) Each case of hiring shall be considered by the Financial Secretary on its own merit.

7.6 Sanction for Breach of Motor Vehicle Policy


(i) Any person who is responsible for the control or operation of fleet vehicles and
assigned vehicles or any activities incidental thereto, will be liable to sanctions in the
event of any breach of the instructions, or where negligence is established;
(ii) Where a breach results in financial loss to Government, the person responsible may be
liable for surcharge by the Financial Secretary for the full amount or part of the loss.

7.7 Loss of Public Property

7.7.1 Reporting Loss


(i) Whenever any deficiency, loss, damage or destruction occurs in respect of public
moneys, stamps, securities, stores or other Government property, whether by
misappropriation, theft, fire, accident or damage caused completely or partially by
rain, flood or any other agency, either directly or indirectly, it shall be the duty of the
Accounting Officer, Head of Department, Chief Executive Officer to report the full
details of the loss at once to the Financial Secretary and to the Auditor-General, even
when such loss has been made good by the person responsible for it.
(ii) The report of any loss should state:
(a) the amount of money or original value of the item;
(b) the approximate value (book value) of the item at the time of loss and the
replacement value;
(c) the circumstance(s) which led to the loss;
(d) the persons responsible, directly or indirectly;
(e) whether the persons responsible has made good the loss;
(f) whether the loss was due to fraud or negligence on the part of a public officer;
(g) the action which is recommended should be taken in respect of the loss; and
(h) the steps, if any, taken or proposed to be taken to prevent similar loss in
future.

7.7.2 Suspected Theft or Fraud


(i) Where a public officer has been found responsible for a loss, the Accounting Officer
shall recover from the officer concerned, the replacement value of the loss or part
thereof.
(ii) When fraud or theft is suspected it is the duty of the Permanent Secretary, Chief
Executive Officer or Head of the Department concerned to call in the police forthwith.

7.7.3 Loss permitted for Write off


(i) Losses permissible for write off shall consist of the following:
(a) uncollected debt

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(b) loss due to theft or burglary
(c) loss arising from shortage or deficiency
(d) unrecoverable Overpayment
(e) loss of revenue
(f) damage to Government property or private property in the lawful custody of
Government
(g) other loss approved by the Financial Secretary

7.7.4 General Conditions for Write off of Losses


(i) The write-off of losses may be carried out under any of the following circumstances:
(a) all efforts to recover the loss have been unsuccessful and it is futile to make any
further effort for recovery;
(b) the value of the loss is such that it is not cost effective to pursue its recovery;
(c) the debtor or “advancee” is deceased, bankrupt or cannot be located;
(d) there is inadequate evidence to establish or prove liability for debt or loss;
(e) the debt or advance has become statute barred based on section 51 of The
Limitation of Actions Act and there is no means of recovery from the debtor;
(f) the loss is due to theft or fraud and a claim cannot be established against any
person or institution;
(g) advances to Government entities that are on the books for more than two (2)
financial years and is unable to be cleared due to budgetary constraints of the
Government entity that received the advance;
(h) advances to non-Government entities/individuals that are on the books for more
than two (2) years and the bills, invoices, etc required for clearing the advance
cannot be found, but a written and signed declaration is made by the
entity/individual or by an appropriate officer stating that the goods and services
were properly received;
(i) unreconciled differences on the bank reconciliation statement for amount greater
than One Hundred Dollars ($100) being carried for more than twelve (12) months
which cannot be identified, after exhaustive investigations and numerous
consultations with the bank; and
(j) unreconciled differences on the bank reconciliation statements for amounts less
than One Hundred Dollars ($100) being carried for more than three (3) months.

7.7.5 Loss to be Written off by Accounting Officers


(i) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Departments are
authorized to approve write-off of loss of public moneys, bad debts, advances, loans,
unreconciled differences, deficiencies of allocated stores and equipment, inventory
loss or any losses as outlined in Appendix 12- Authority for the Write-off of Loss of
Public Money.
(ii) A submission must be made to Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers and
Heads of Departments by the appropriate person requesting the write-off of losses.
The submission must include the following information:
(a) the nature of the loss, stating the following:

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(b) the circumstance(s) which led to the loss;
(c) documentary evidence of the efforts made to prevent or recover the loss including
legal action(s), if any;
(d) the name and address of the debtor/advance (if applicable);
(e) the value of the loss;
(f) recommendation for write-off of the loss;
(g) the step(s) taken or proposal to prevent similar loss in the future
(h) a report from the Chief Audit Executive on the following:-
(i) weaknesses in the system of internal control including recommendations for
improvement; and
(ii) support or objection to the recommendations being made for write-off of the
loss.
(i) where the loss is due to fraud theft burglary or any other criminal offence
Accounting Officers shall not authorise its write-off unless he/she has received:
(j) the police report on the matter; and
(k) a report from the Chief Audit Executive identifying the weaknesses in the system
of internal controls including recommendations for improvement and whether
such recommendations have actually been implemented.
(iii) Where the loss is due to negligence of public officers or his or her failure to adhere to
regulations, instructions and guidelines, the Accounting Officer shall not authorised
its write-off unless he/she has submitted a report to the Financial Secretary and the
Auditor-General with surcharge recommendation for the recovery of the full loss or
portion thereof.
(iv) The value of a loss to be written off shall be determined by the acquisition cost of the
asset at the time of acquisition, its fair value or the market value whichever is less.
(v) The Accounting Officers should only consider writing off of loss after careful
evaluation of the circumstances that led to the loss and he/she is satisfied that
reasonable actions were taken to effect recovery and there is no other feasible
recourse but to write-off the loss.
(vi) Accounting Officers must ensure that all items written-off are properly documented
and that the records are maintained in accordance with the Document Retention
Schedule (See Appendix 14).
(vii) Accounting Officers must ensure that before any write-off is done the value of the
asset to be written off is established and verified by the Internal Auditor.
(viii) The Accounting Officers must ensure that the following are satisfied before a decision
is taken to approve the write-off of loss:
(a) sufficient efforts have been made to recover the loss in the case where such loss is
recoverable;
(b) the effort to recover the loss has been unsuccessful or is not cost effective to be
pursued; and
(c) there is no alternative but to have the loss written-off and proper measures are
instituted to mitigate or prevent the loss from reoccurring.
(ix) The accounting records are to be adjusted to clearly reflect the write-off of the asset.

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(x) Accounting Officers must submit to the Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General
quarterly reports, setting out the particulars in respect of all losses written off for the
financial year as at the end of the quarter. The report must be submitted within
fourteenth working day of the month succeeding the quarter for which the report is to
be done.( See Appendix 33 for format of report)

7.7.6 Loss to be Written off by Financial Secretary


(i) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Department must submit
to the Financial Secretary requests containing all the relevant information and
supporting documents at (7.7.5)(ii) for approval to write-off a loss up to thelimit of
$15 million. (See Appendix 12)
(ii) The Financial Secretary shall examine the request for write-off of loss and
communicate in writing to the Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer or Head
of Department as to the decision taken.

7.7.7 Loss to be Written off by Minister


(i) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Department must submit
to the Minster through the Financial Secretary requests containing all the relevant
information and supporting documents at (7.7.5)(ii) for approval to write-off a loss up
to the limit of $30 million. (See Appendix 12)
(ii) The Financial Secretary shall communicate in writing to the Accounting Officer,
Chief Executive Officer or Head of Department the decision of the Minister.

7.7.8 Loss to be Written off by Cabinet


(i) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Department shall draft
the relevant document for their Minister’s submission to Cabinet with the relevant
comments of the Ministry of Finance request seeking Cabinet’s approval for write off
of loss in excess of $30 million (See Appendix 12)

7.7.9 Accounting Treatment for Writing off of Loss


(i) Losses authorised to be written off must be treated as an expense and charged against
the budgetary provision for the year in which the write-off is effected.
(ii) The relevant budgetary expenditure activity item along with the appropriate object
code must be charged with the full amount of the loss.
(iii) Where approval has been given to write-off loss, MDAs shall absorb the loss within
the existing budgetary allocation. In exceptional circumstances, where the write-off of
the loss cannot be absorbed in the budget of the MDA, a request must be submitted to
the Financial Secretary to include the amount in the Estimates of Expenditure,
Supplementary Estimates or the Final Supplementary Estimates whichever is
appropriate.
(iv) Where amounts written-off are recovered in the same financial year, these sums must
be credited to the relevant budgetary expenditure activity item and the appropriate
object code or the relevant revenue code.

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(v) For Ministries and Departments, if recovery is made in a subsequent financial year,
the sums recovered must be paid over to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous
Revenue Bank Account.
(vi) Agencies which use the accrual accounting method may make provision for bad debt
once it has been established that the debt is likely to be uncollectible.
(vii) The provision for bad debt should be a reasonable estimate of the value of debt which
is not likely to be collected. If the agency is absolutely sure that the debt is
irrecoverable then the debt shall be written off subject to the approval levels at
Appendix 12.

7.8 Loans and Advances to Public Officers

7.8.1 Motor Vehicle Loan


(i) Loans made to travelling officers to purchase new or used motor vehicles including
the initial insurance coverage where applicable, shall be authorized by the Financial
Secretary or by any officer(s) or committee to which such function is delegated by the
Financial Secretary.
(i) The loan amount shall not exceed the maximum approved by the Financial Secretary
from time to time.
(ii) The loan shall be subject to the execution of a Bill of Sale in favour of the
Accountant General and shall be repayable in monthly instalments through
deductions from salary over a specified period as determined by the Financial
Secretary.
(iii) Interest should be applied based on instructions issued from time to time by the
Financial Secretary.
(iv) Motor vehicle loans shall be disbursed and managed by the AGD.

7.8.2 Motor Vehicle Repair Loan


(i) Motor vehicle repair loans shall be authorised by the Financial Secretary to travelling
officers for amounts considered reasonable in the circumstances on an individual case
basis.
(ii) Motor vehicle Repair loans shall be disbursed and managed by the AGD.

7.8.3 Miscellaneous Loan


(i) Miscellaneous Loans shall be authorised by the Financial Secretary to public officers
who require funds urgently to take care of specific items of expenditure.
(ii) The amount of the miscellaneous loan approved will depend on the circumstances of
each individual case and up to the maximum approved by the Financial Secretary.
(iii) Miscellaneous loans shall be disbursed and managed by the AGD..

7.8.4 Computer Loan


(i) Loans to public officers for the purchase of computers shall be authorised by the
Financial Secretary.
(ii) The amount of the loan approved shall be based on the maximum approved by the
Financial Secretary from time to time.

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(iii) Computer Loans shall be disbursed and managed by the AGD.

7.8.5 Terms and Conditions for Loans


(i) Loans to Public Officers shall be repayable in monthly instalments by deductions
from salary over a period specified by the Financial Secretary.
(ii) Interest on the loan shall be charged at a rate determined by the Financial Secretary
from time to time and shall be payable quarterly on a reducing balance basis.

7.8.6 Salary Advance


(i) The Accountant General shall at his/her discretion, make advances to public officers
on account of salary, not exceeding one month’s gross salary in each instance.
(ii) Salary advances shall be repaid in such monthly instalments not exceeding twelve, as
the Accountant General may approve, together with interest at rates determined by the
Financial /Secretary, from time to time and paid quarterly.
(iii) Repayment of salary advance shall be by deductions from the officer’s salary,
commencing not later than the end of the month subsequent to that in which the
advance was made.
(iv) If a salary advance is fully repaid within one month of issue no interest is chargeable.

7.8.7 Recovery of Public Officers Loans and Advances


(i) The Accountant General shall be responsible for the recovery of all loans and
advances made to public officers.
(ii) The Accountant General shall issue a reminder to account holders immediately upon
the account falling in arrears.
(iii) If after a reasonable time has elapsed since receipt of the reminder and the account
holder has taken no action regarding payment of the arrears, the Accountant General
shall take any necessary action to recover the amount due. This shall include action
against sureties, seizure of vehicle or legal action.
(iv) In circumstances where a dormant balance exist on an advance or loan account for a
period in excess of six (6) years and the Accountant General is satisfied that
(a) the delinquent account holder is either dead, mentally incapacitated, bankrupt,
imprisoned or otherwise cannot be found; and that
(b) there is no feasible recourse in recovering the balance.
He/she shall make a submission to the Financial Secretary for write-off of the loan or
advance.
.

7.9 Departmental Advances

7.9.1 Departmental Advance Definition


(i) Departmental Advances are a sub-classification of expenditure which arise from
payments made for goods and services not yet received and for which a person shall
be held accountable. This person shall be called the “Advancee” who must within a
reasonable time provide the relevant bills, invoices, statement of account as well as
the unspent cash in order for the advance to be cleared from the books of the MDA.

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(ii) Departmental Advances may arise also from overpayments or other loss to
Government for which recovery must be made from the culpable officer(s).
7.9.2 Expenditure Definition
(i) Expenditures shall be payments made for goods and services bought from warrant
funds whether such goods and services have been actually received.
(ii) All amounts spent from warrant funds, Appropriations-in-aid funds, cash advances
received from MOF Contingencies Provision or any other approved cash advances
received shall be deemed to be expenditure .This shall include payments made for
goods and services not provided for in the Estimates of Expenditure but approved
by Ministry of Finance pending Parliamentary approval,
(iii) Ministry of Finance advances from Contingencies Provision shall not be treated in
the books of the Ministry of Finance as Expenditure or Departmental Advances. It
shall be reflected as an independent general ledger account.

7.9.3 Sub-classification of Expenditure


(i) Expenditure shall be classified according to the Chart of Accounts approved by the
Accountant General and shall be as follows:-
(a) Organisation code
(b) Financial Pattern
(c) Fund Source
(d) Function/Sub-function
(e) Programme/Sub-programme
(f) Project/Sub-project
(g) Activity/Sub-activity
(h) Economic Classification
Class/Object/Sub-object/Detailed Sub-object

(ii) Departmental Advances shall be a sub-classification of the Expenditure Control


general ledger account as shown below:

EXPENDITURE
GL 8001

Advance Advance AAdvance Advance


Advance
Advance Type 01 - Type 02 - Type 03 Type 04 Type 09
Type 00- Personal Imprest Other Govt Other
Min. & Depts.
Not Advance Advance Agencies Advances
Applicable

Advancee Advancee Advancee Advancee Advancee

7.9.4 Classification of Advances


(i) Departmental Advances shall be classified as follows:

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Type Description
01 Personal Advance
02 Imprest Advance
03 Advance to Other Ministries and Departments
04 Advance to Other Government Agencies/Public Bodies
09 Other Advances

(ii) The amounts posted under advance types at (01-09) shall be charged as an
expenditure payment but posted automatically to an advance subsidiary ledger under
Expenditure. This sub-ledger shall be used by the system to generate FS 11 - list of
Departmental Advances and FS10 – Departmental Advance Summary.
(iii) Amounts posted using Advance Type code “00” shall not be recorded in the
Advance Subsidiary Ledger but shall be recognised as a “non-advance” expenditure.

7.9.5 Advancee vs Payee


(i) Every advance payment shall have the following:
(a) An “Advancee” who is the person/organisation that is accountable for the
advance;
(b) A “Payee” who is the person to be paid the advance.
(ii) The Advancee and the Payee can be the same but must be entered separately on the
FinMan System.
(iii) The Advancee shall be either a public officer or a public organisation or a person or
organisation that has a contractual relationship with the Government such as a
contractor as in the case of contract mobilisation.

7.9.6 Clearing Current Year Advances


(i) Departmental Advances must be cleared to expenditure as soon as possible. Only in
extenuating circumstances should Departmental Advances be rolled over to a next
financial year.
(ii) The entries for the clearance of Departmental Advances shall be as follows:

DEBIT CREDIT
Expenditure Control Account GL#8001 Expenditure Control Account
Advance Type -00 GL#8001
Advance Type 01-09
Advancee

(iii) The clearance of Departmental Advances as shown at (ii) shall have no effect on the
overall expenditure balance. It shall be a mere credit in the Expenditure - Advance
sub-ledger to the relevant account and a debit to the non-advance expenditure.
(iv) The following are the steps in the clearance of Departmental Advances:
(a) check thoroughly bills, receipts, statements, etc. submitted for clearance of
advances ensuring that they are all authentic, valid and correct and that the
advance was used solely for the purpose(s) for which it was given.
(b) prepare the appropriate journal voucher for the clearance of the advance
ensuring that the correct codes are debited and credited. The advance codes to be
credited must be the identical codes used when the advance was made.
(c) post the journal voucher using the Journal Processor.

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(d) the balance on the advance after clearance by journal must be paid over to the
cashier by the Advancee.
(e) a personal advance shall not be issued to an officer if they have an outstanding
advance except in extenuating circumstances where approval is granted by the
Accounting Officer or Head of Department.

7.9.7 Advance Receipts


(i) Cash received from an Advancee in respect of an advance issued in the current
financial year must be posted in the FinMan Receipt Processor making the following
entry:
.
DEBIT CREDIT
Cash GL# 3030 Expenditure Control Account GL#8001
Advance Type 01-09
Advancee

(ii) The amount received at (i) must be lodged to Accountant General for Miscellaneous
Revenue for transfer by the AGD to the Central Payment Account (CPA).
(iii) Departmental Advance recovered in respect of advances that were made in a previous
financial year must be received as a Miscellaneous Revenue receipt and lodged to
Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue as per Instruction 7.9.

7.9.8 Carrying Forward Advances


(i) Departmental Advances not cleared at the end of the financial year must be carried
forward to the next financial year until cleared,
(ii) The FinMan system shall automatically roll over all prior year advances as a schedule
under the Expenditure Control Account GL#8001 of the new financial year. (See
Example below)

Expenditure Control GL# 8001


Example of Schedule of Departmental Advances Brought Forward as at April 1st

Advance Advance Account Amount


Type Account # Account Name
01 14523580 Hilary Clinton 1,500
01 25369873 Donald Trump 10,200
02 25879123 Cashier Jones 3,000
03 35675896 Ministry of Economic Growth 150,000
04 12587987 Urban Development Corporation 1,500,000
09 36912578 China Harbour 800,000
Total 2,464,700

(i) Departmental Advances (i.e. GLs 3050 & 3053) rolled over shall not affect any General
Ledger account balance of the current financial year. They shall exist as “shadow sub-
ledger” under the Expenditure Control Account.
(ii) Prior year Departmental Advances represent public funds which the relevant accountable
officers must clear as quickly as possible from the MDA’s books. The clearance shall be
done in the manner prescribed at Instruction 7.9.

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(iii) Departmental Advances that are on the books for more than two (2) years arising from the
fact that bills, invoices, etc. required for clearing the advance cannot be found, may be
cleared upon a written and signed declaration by an appropriate officer stating that the
goods and services were properly received in accordance with Instruction 7.9.

7.9.9 Clearing Prior Year Advances


(i) The clearance of prior year advances shall be done in the manner prescribed at Instruction
(7.9.6). Such advances when cleared must not affect the overall balance on the
Expenditure Control Account of the current financial year.
(ii) Prior year advances cleared by refund of cash must be processed as follows:
(a) Receive the funds in the current financial year as a Miscellaneous Revenue receipt
and lodge same to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous revenue Bank Account
(b) Prepare journal for clearance of the advance based on the receipt at (a) and post to the
FinMan system in the current financial year in the manner prescribed atInstruction
7.9.

7.9.10 Loss Transferred To Advances


(i) Loss of cash, overpayments and other losses may be charged to an Departmental
Advance account by making the following entry:

DEBIT CREDIT
Expenditure Control Account GL#8001 Expenditure Control Account GL#8001
Advance Type 01-09 Advance Type -00
Advancee

7.9.11 Departmental Advances of Closed MDA


(i) Departmental Advances of a closed MDA must not be transferred to another MDA.
Such advances must be fully cleared from the books of the closedMDA.

(ii) The responsibility for clearance of the Departmental Advances of a closed MDA shall
be that of the Ministry that assumed majority of the responsibilities of the closed MDA
unless the Financial Secretary has assigned such responsibility to another Ministry.

(iii) Persons that are directly accountable for outstanding advances of a closed MDA (i.e.
Advancees) shall remain accountable for such advances notwithstanding their
reassignment to another MDA,

7.9.12 Salary In Advance (Vacation Leave)


(i) “Salary in advance” is an advance made to a public officer in respect of net pay for
vacation leave not exceeding two (2) months which is paid prior to the officer
embarking on leave.
(ii) Salary in advance must be treated as a Departmental Advance in the Expenditure sub-
ledger and is recoverable each month from the payroll run of the respective month(s).
(iii) Travel allowance in advance for vacation leave shall not be permissible.

7.9.13 Write off of Departmental Advances


(i) Departmental Advances with debit balance maybe written off in the following
circumstances:

126
(a)
death or bankruptcy of the Advancee;
(b)
the Advancee or his/her agent cannot be located;
(c)
the organisation or entity accountable for the advance is defunct;
(d)
exhaustive efforts have been made to clear the advance which has proven futile
and documentary evidence exists to show the efforts made.
(e) the Advancee is another Government entity and is on books for more than two (2)
financial years due to inadequate funds of the Advancee to repay the advance or
balance thereof or for any other valid reason.
(f) the advance amount is immaterial and not cost effective to expend any further
effort to recover/clear same. e.g. Under $1,000
(ii) Departmental Advances with credit balances that satisfy the conditions at (i) may be
set off against the advances with debit balances to derive a net write off.
(iii) Where the net write off is a credit balance this shall represent a physical transfer of
funds by the entity to be made to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue
Bank Account.
(iv) The following are the thresholds regarding the authority for write off of advances:

Advance Amount Write off Authority


$250,000 and below Accounting Officer/Head of
Department/Chief Executive Officer
$250,001 to $15,000,000 Financial Secretary
$15,000,001 to $30,000,000 Minister of Finance
Over $30,000,000 Cabinet

7.10 MOF Contingencies Provision Advance


(i) The Financial Secretary may authorise advances when necessary to be made to
ministries and departments from the provision for contingencies under the Ministry of
Finance’s Head of Estimates to allow ministries/departments to meet unforeseen and
emergency payments which were not provided for in the approved budget.
(ii) Advance from MOF Contingencies Provision shall be recovered from departments
through provisions approved in the Supplementary Estimates.
(iii) As soon as the borrowing MDA has the necessary budgetary funds in place the MOF
shall issue the relevant warrant for clearance of the MOF Contingencies Provision
advance.
(iv) In the event where a MOF Contingencies provision advance was not cleared in the
financial year it was issued, it must be carried forward by the MDA to the next
financial year.
(v) Advance from the MOF Contingencies Provision made to a head that has been closed
cannot be transferred to and/or cleared from another head unless the Estimates of
Expenditure provides that head with the relevant funds for the purposes of clearing
the advance. Such a provision shall be a normal expenditure item in the Estimates of
Expenditure albeit for clearance of MOF Contingencies Provision advance.
(vi) Where a payment is to be made by an Head to clear a Contingencies Fund advance
that was previously made to another head, the payment shall be booked as an
expenditure payment and not as a MOF Contingencies Provision advance clearance
as this advance was not in the ‘paying” MDA’s books.

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7.11 Contingencies Fund Advance
(i) The Minister may authorise advances from the Contingencies Fund to a MDA where
it has inadequate funds or where no funds were provided in the Estimates of
Expenditure necessary to address a matter of vital importance.
(ii) The Accountant General on advice by the MOF of the approval of a Contingencies
Fund advance shall transfer the relevant funds from the Contingencies Fund Bank
Account to the CPA and accordingly advise the relevant MDA
(vii) Advances from the Contingencies Fund shall be recovered through funds made
available from the earliest Supplementary Estimates following the date of the
advance.
(viii) In the event where a Contingencies Fund advance was not cleared in the financial year
it wasissued, it must be carried forward by the MDA to the next financial year.
(ix) Advance from the Contingencies Fund made to a head that has been closed cannot be
transferred to and/or cleared from another head unless the Estimates of Expenditure
provides that head with the relevant funds for the purposes of clearing the advance.
Such a provision shall be a normal expenditure item in the Estimates of Expenditure
albeit for payment to the Contingencies Fund.
(x) Where a payment is to be made by an Head to clear a Contingencies Fund advance
that was previously made to another head, the payment shall be booked as an
expenditure payment and not as a Contingencies Fund advance clearance as this
advance was not in the ‘paying” MDA’s books.

7.12 Treasury Deposits Advance


(i) Advances from Treasury Deposits shall be on the specific written authorization to the
Accountant General by the Financial Secretary.
(ii) The Accountant General on advice by the MOF of the approval of Treasury Deposit
advance shall transfer the relevant funds from the Treasury Deposit bank account to
the Central Payment Account (CPA) and accordingly advise the relevant MDA.
(iii) Treasury Deposit advances must be cleared as far as possible within the financial year
it was issued and no later than twelve (12) months in the following financial year.
(iv) In the event where a Treasury Deposit advance was not cleared in the financial year in
which it was issued, it must be carried forward by the MDA to the next financial year
under the same head until cleared.
(v) In order for a Treasury Deposit advance to be cleared, it shall require Warrant Funds
to transfer the relevant amount to the CPA from the Consolidated Fund and for
subsequent transfer/payment from the CPA to the Treasury Deposit bank account
(vi) Advance from Treasury Deposits made to a head that has been closed cannot be
transferred to and/or cleared from another head unless the Estimates of Expenditure
provides that head with the relevant funds for the purposes of clearing the advance.
Such a provision shall be a normal expenditure item in the Estimates of Expenditure
albeit for repayment of the Treasury Deposits advance.
(vii) Where a payment is to be made by an Head to clear a Treasury Deposits advance
that was previously made to another head, the payment shall be booked as an
expenditure payment and not as a Treasury Deposits advance clearance as this
advance was not in the ‘paying” MDA’s books.

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7.13 Overseas Travel Advance
(i) In cases where protocol demands that ministers or public officials host receptions, or
requires that they engage in other forms of entertainment, application for the required
foreign exchange must be submitted with the relevant particulars to the Permanent
Secretary for approval.
(ii) If the required foreign exchange cannot be accurately determined, the amount
requested must be treated in the accounts as an advance. In the cases of public
officials, such receptions and entertainment are restricted to heads of delegations only.
(iii) The amount advanced is to be accounted for in each case within seven (7) days of the
return of the official to Jamaica by the submission of actual bills to the Principal
Finance Officer or the appropriate Financial Manager.
(iv) Where the full amount of an advance was not utilized or is not properly accounted for,
the official must refund the unaccounted balance.
(v) Advances for contingencies re official visits abroad shall be approved by the
Accounting Officer.
(vi) The Accounting Officer or Head of Department shall be authorized to recover travel
advance forthwith from the officer’s salary, or by such monthly deductions, if the
officer fails to account for same, one month after his/her return to base.

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8 ACCOUNTINGAND REPORTING

8.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

None.
II. Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part III : Administration


Government Accounts
Section 24A:(1)defines Government Accounts; (2) defines the duties of Accountable Officers;
(3) defines the Minister’s powers
Section 24B: (1)(2) describes the basis for publishing Government accounts; (3) requires the
Accounting Officers to have proper accounting systems.
Section 24F:requires all Accounting Officers to provide written Financial Instructions to their
Accountable Officers on a range of topics.
Section 24G:requires the Minister to table annual Financial Statements in the House of
Representatives as soon as possible after the end of the Financial Year.
Section 24H:requires the Accountant-General to produce a range of Financial Accounts
within four months of the end of the Financial Year.
The Accountant-General shall submit the Financial Accounts to the Auditor-General who
shall certify them and the statements as so certified shall be laid on the Table of the House of
Representatives.
Section 24I: In respect of each financial year and within a period of four months after the end
of such financial year, all Accounting Officers shall prepare, sign and transmit to the Minister
and the Auditor-General the statements relating to the financial activities under their control
showing in respect of each head of estimates.

Part IV: Audit


Section 25(3)(a):
The Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General shall have physical and electronic access
rights to all accounting records of ministries and departments and may import such data from
the latter’s system to their system for the purposes of consolidation, analysis, examination
and any other purpose necessary for the conduct of their function.

Part VI Public Bodies


Section 48: (1)The Registrar of Companies shall within four months after the end of each
financial year prepare and submit to the Minister a report of all government companies. (2)
The Minister shall cause a copy of the report above to be laid on the Table of the House of
Representatives.

III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015

PART II: Management of the Consolidated Fund


Regulations 4:The books of accounts of the Consolidated Fund shall be maintained by the
Accountant-General on a double entry basis and in accordance with the accounting policies

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and standards prescribed by the Financial Secretary).
Regulation 5: A cash book or ledger account shall be maintained for each Consolidated
FundBank Account and shall be reconciled at least once per month.

PART IIA: Vote-on-Account


Regulation 18: (1)Accounting Officers shall upon the passing of the vote-on-account by
resolution of the House of Representatives make the necessary entries in their books in
respect of the amounts approved.
(1) Upon passing of the Appropriation Bill, Accounting Officers shall reverse the
Vote-On-Account entries in their books and replace the entries with the approved
vote.

PART III: Accounting for Public Monies


Regulations 63 to 65: describe the power of the Financial Secretary in terms of accounting,
policies, methods, standards, accounting software.
The Accounts of the Government are required to be operated and kept in accordance with
these.
Accounting Officers shall be directly and personally responsiblefor all expenditure charged
under the votes, which he administers, and shall be accountable to Parliament.
The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for the continuous improvement of financial and
accounting systems in departments; and for ensuring that the mechanism for the collection of
and accounting for public moneys is satisfactory in principle and complied with in practice.

PART IV: Financial Reports


Regulation 68 to 70: prescribe guidelines for reporting and the deadlines for submission.
Regulations 72 to 74: describe the responsibilities of Accounting Officers in relation to the
financial statements.
Regulation 74: deals with adjustments to the accounts and financial statements.

PART IV: Performance Reports


Regulation 75:details the timetable for the delivery of the Performance Reports.

PART V. Use of Electronic Devices


Regulations 76 and 77:cover the use of electronic devices and electronic signatures.

PART X: Central Treasury Management


Regulation 155: deals with the operation of the Treasury Single Account.
Regulation 156:deals with the amounts issued under warrant.
Regulation 157:the Accountant-General shall be responsible for maintaining proper accounts
in respect of all treasury management activities and shall submit to the Auditor-General and
the Financial Secretary monthly financial reports in the format and manner prescribed by the
Financial Secretary.

PART XI: Preservation of Records


Regulations 159 to 163:cover the treatment of records.

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8.2 Financial Instructions
(i) The Financial Instructions is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions
regarding the above Law and Regulations as at the date of publication. All previous
Instructions, Circulars as listed at the end of the document and or any other
publication is considered incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is
covered in this document.

8.3 Assignment of Government Accounting and Book-Keeping


Responsibilities
(i) The Accounting Officer/Principal Receivers of Revenue and Heads of MDAs shall be
responsible for maintaining all accounts using the cash basis of accounting in
accordance with the Cash-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards
(IPSAS) and the guidelines prescribed by the FAA Act, the FAA Act Regulations and
these Instructions.
(ii) Executive Agencies shall maintain accounts on an accrual accounting basis, unless
specifically exempted by their establishing authority.
(iii) Government accounts shall be prepared using accounting policies designed to provide
financial statements, which give a true and fair view of the government’s state of
financial affairs. The process of preparing the accounts must include the
measurement, aggregation, classification, and presentation of all relevant elements of
the financial statements and the selection of appropriate accounting policies.
(iv) Government accounts shall generally be guided by the following accounting
principles:

(a) Double Entry Concept the accounts are prepared on double entry bookkeeping
system. This means that a financial transaction gives rise to two equal and
opposite book entries – one debit and the other credit;
(b) Going Concern Concept:the accounts are prepared on a going concern basis,
which means that government is believed to exist in perpetuity. Because of the
going concern basis, the accounts are maintained on a historical cost basis;
(c) Prudence Concept: this concept requires full recognition of an entity’s obligations
as long as they can be measured – subject to the overriding basis of accounting
explained in the next Section. On the other hand, revenue is recognised only if
realisation is certain. For this reason, for example, tax revenues are recognised on
cash basis and not when a tax assessment is agreed;
(d) Matching Concept: in the commercial environment, this concept largely revolves
around matching expenditure with the related revenue. However, in the context of
government accounting where “service” to the population is the primary mission,
coupled with the cash basis of accounting, this concept revolves around matching
the actual financial transactions with the occurrence of the underlying government
programmes/activities, as well as the related budget allocations;
(e) Consistency Concept: this concept requires consistent treatment of like items and
from period to period. For example, if an item was treated as capital expenditure
in one period, a similar item in another period should be treated likewise; and
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(f) Substance Over Form: this concept requires that transactions are recognised with
due regard to their substance rather than their form. For example, although items
of office equipment such as paper trays are technically capital expenditure items
(form), the financial substance involved renders those items to be recognised as
revenue expenditure. Similarly, although technically recurrent expenditure,
workers’ wages on a specific project such as construction of a building are
recognised as capital expenditure.

8.4 Basis of Accounting


(i) In general, two alternative bases of accounting are commonly used by accounting
entities; namely, the accrual basis and the cash basis. The accrual basis of accounting
is based on the “accruals concept”. On the other hand, the cash basis of accounting
recognises transactions only if related cash flows have been paid or received.
(ii) Another key difference between the two methods is that under the cash basis of
accounting, expenditure on acquisition of assets is written-off at the time it is paid; in
other words, the financial statements under cash basis do not recognise fixed assets.
8.5 The Computerisation of Government Accounting System
(i) Accounting Officers shall use the accounting systems and procedures authorized by
the Financial Secretary for MDAs, which include computerized and manual systems.
(ii) Accounting Officers shall operate the computerized systems using the Financial
Management Information System (FINMAN) or other accounting package approved
by the Financial Secretary to maintain accounts, prepare budgets, prepare payroll, and
execute bank reconciliation, procurement, inventory, asset management and any other
aspect of the Government financial operations.
(iii) Where no approved computerized system is available, a manual system shall be
operated.
(iv) Spreadsheet applications should be used only for the purposes of deriving information
for internal management purposes and shall not be constituted as the books of
accounts of the MDA.
(v) Accounting Officers shall own the accounting records and data of their respective
ministries and departments and may, where deemed appropriate and in accordance
with the Access to Information Act, authorize public access to any part of such data
or records to persons or organisations that require such information.
(vi) Accounting Officers shall execute the accounting and recording of governmental
financial transactions in strict adherence to all accounting manuals except where
approval is granted by the Financial Secretary for departure from such manuals and
guidelines.
(vii) All departmental accounting manual and user guides prepared by Accounting Officers
and Principal Receivers of Revenue must, be in conformity with the principal Act, the
Regulations and Instructions and must be approved by the Financial Secretary.

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8.6 Government Accounting Structure
(i) Accounting for financial transactions in the public sector consists of the following
methods:
(a) The Expenditure and Fund Accounting Method - operated by Accounting Officer to
account for:
(i) Expenditure from voted, statutory and appropriations-in-aid funds;
(ii) Miscellaneous revenue collections; and
(iii) Deposits and other funds.
(b) Revenue Accounting Method -operated by Principal Receivers of Revenue to account
for:
(i) Tax and non-tax revenues collected and remitted to the Consolidated Fund;
(ii) Revenue refunds, drawbacks etc.;
(iii)Revenue Deposits.
(c) Accrual Accounting Method -, operated by executive agencies and other public bodies
to account for the income and expenditure of the entity for the period; andits assets
and liabilities.

8.7 Books of Accounts – Ministries Departments

8.7.1 Cash Book


(i) A Cash Book or a General Ledger bank account must be maintained for each bank
account operated by a MDA.
(ii) The Cash Book shall be maintained the original currencies.
(iii) Where the original currency is not Jamaican dollars, the equivalent in Jamaican
dollars must be reported based on the applicable exchange rate.
(iv) The following information must be maintained in respect of the Cash Book:
(a) Name of Bank
(b) Bank Account Number
(c) Type of Account
(d) Names and designations of the approved account signatories.
(e) Currency of the account;
(v) The Cash Book must show the following:
(a) Transaction description;
(b) The debit entries (receipts);
(c) The credit entries (payments);
(d) Running balance.;
(vi) Bank reconciliation must be done at least on a monthly basis.

8.7.2 Petty Cash Book


(i) A Petty Cash Book shall be maintained by a cashier that operates a petty cash imprest.
(ii) The Petty Cash Book shall record all cash transactions as they occur, and shall be
balanced daily.
(iii) If the cash book balance and actual cash balance do not agree the discrepancy shall be
investigated forthwith.

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(iv) If the discrepancy indicates a surplus of cash the surplus should be immediately
credited to a departmental deposit account pending the result of investigations as to
the cause of the surplus. If the surplus cannot be satisfactorily explained and adjusted
after investigation, the amount on deposit should be paid to the Accountant General
for Miscellaneous Revenue Bank Account..
(v) Where there is a deficiency of cash, the imprest holder shall be held personally
responsible for the shortfall.

8.7.3 MDA General Ledger- Voted & Statutory


(i) The General Ledger of MDAs for the following financial patterns (FP):
Financial Pattern Code
Recurrent -Voted 11
Recurrent -Statutory 12
Capital A -Voted 21
Capital A -Statutory 22
Capital B -Voted 31
Capital B -Statutory 32

shall consist of the following control accounts and any other account approved by the
Accountant General:

GL# Account Name Purpose of Account


0001 Vote on Account To reflect the Carrying-on-Provision budget
0002 Vote To reflect the Approved Budget
0003 Consolidated Fund Provision Account To reflect the Net Budget (i.e. Approved budget less AIA
Provision)
0004 Appropriation-in-Aid Provision To reflect the Appropriation-in-aid Provision
0005 Virement Control To reflect the Vired funds among budgetary allocations
0020 Commitment Control Account To reflect total Commitments to date
0021 Undischarged Commitment To reflect total Commitments not yet discharged
0025 Purchase Order Payment Account To reflect total purchase Orders paid to date
0026 Undischarged Purchase Order To reflect purchase orders not yet discharged
0033 Commitment Payment Account To reflect total payments to date made from Commitments
3009 Warrant Balance Unspent Warrant Balance
3010 Bank Account Cash Book balance
3020 Clearing Warrant Adjusting or “Tidying Up” Warrant
3030 Cash-in-Hand Cash to be lodged
3051 Contingencies Advances made by MOF Contingencies Provision Advances made by MOF
– (MOF Books only)
4000 Accounts Payable Submitted to the Accounts Payable to be paid by AGD
AGD
4001 Accounts payable Accounts Payable to be paid by MDA or submitted to
AGD for payment
4009 Advances from Treasury Deposits Advance to be repaid to Treasury Deposits
4010 Advances from MOF Contingencies Advance to be repaid to MOF Contingencies Provision
Provision
4013 Advance from Other MDA Advance to be repaid to Other MDA
4025 Stale Dated Cheques Stale Cheques to be re-issued or paid over to

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GL# Account Name Purpose of Account
Miscellaneous Revenue
6004 Accumulated Fund Equity
7001 Warrant Issue Warrant Issued to date
7002 Appropriations-in-aid (AIA) AIA collected to date
8001 Expenditure Control Total Expenditure to date
8002 Surrender to Consolidated Fund Amount paid over to Consolidated Fund

(ii) Subsidiary ledgers shall be maintained for Vote Account, Warrant Balance, Warrant
Issue, Appropriations-in-aid, and any other General Ledger control account where
necessary.

8.7.4 MDA General Ledger – Departmental Deposits


(i) The General Ledger of MDAs for Departmental Deposits (FP 45) shall have the
following control accounts :

GL# Account Name Purpose of Account


3010 Departmental Deposits Bank Cash Book Balance
3030 Cash in Hand Cash to be lodged
4021 Departmental Deposits Control Deposit Subsidiary Ledger Control Total

(ii) Subsidiary ledgers shall be maintained for the Departmental Deposits Control
account.

8.7.5 MDA General Ledger – Miscellaneous Revenue


(i) The General Ledger of MDAs for Miscellaneous Revenue (FP 90) shall have the
following control accounts :
GL Account Name Purpose of Account
No.
0007 Departmental Revenue Estimate Account Revenue Budget
0008 Deptl. Revenue Consolidated Fund Prov. Revenue Budget for Consolidated
Fund
3030 Cash-in-hand Cash to be lodged
4007 Dept’l and Other Miscellaneous Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue Subsidiary
Control Ledger Control Total
4008 Lodgement to Miscellaneous Revenue Bank Lodgement made to Miscellaneous
Revenue Bank Account

(ii) Subsidiary ledgers shall be maintained for the Dept’l and Other Miscellaneous
revenue Control account.

8.7.6 PRR General Ledger – Revenue Accounts


(i) The General Ledger of PRRs for Revenue Accounts shall have the following control
accounts and any other control account approved by the Accountant General:

Account Name Purpose

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Account Name Purpose
Revenue Estimate Control A/C For recording the budgetary revenue
estimates or proportion thereof for
each revenue item

Revenue Provision Control A/C For recording the budgetary revenue


estimated for collection and payment to
the Consolidated Fund
Revenue Collections Control A/C For recording the revenue collected per
revenue items
Revenue DepositsControl A/C For recording revenue amounts
collected and held on Deposits

Revenue Cash-in-Transit Control A/C For recording revenue cash in transit to


the bank or cash held not yet lodged

Revenue Bank A/C This represents the Revenue Cash Book

Revenue Refund Imprest bank Account This represents the Revenue Refund
Imprest Bank Account Cash Book

Lodgement to Consolidated Fund A/C For recording the revenue paid over to
Consolidated Fund

Collecting Officers Liability Control A/C For recording Revenue Recoverable


from Collecting Officer in respect of
dishonoured cheque and all other cases
of lost revenue

Revenue Bad Cheques Control Account For recording dishonoured cheques

Taxpayer Control Account For recording special cases of


taxpayer’s liability. (NB. Revenue
accounting is done on a cash basis, hence
revenues are not accrued. However in
special cases it may be necessary to
maintain an account for a taxes overpaid.
Accountant General for Miscellaneous For recording amounts collected on
Revenue Control Account behalf of Accountant General for Misc.
Revenue
Revenue Payable to Statutory and Other Funds For recording revenue collected on
Control Account behalf of K.S.A.C, Parish Councils, NIS.
NHT, HEART, NHF, Bureau of
Standards, Accountant General for
Miscellaneous Revenue Control etc.

(ii) Subsidiary ledgers shall be maintained for the Revenue Estimate Control A/C, Revenue
Collections Control A/C, Revenue Deposits Control A/C, Collecting Officers Liability Control A/C, Revenue
Payable to Statutory and Other Funds Control Account, Taxpayer Control Account.

8.7.7 Fixed Asset Register


(i) Ministries and Departments operate on cash basis, therefore fixed assets are fully
written off to expenses on acquisition. However a memorandum registers must be
maintained for all fixed assets recording the following minimum information:

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(a) Cost of acquisition;
(b) Date of acquisition;
(c) Asset identification details such as
 Asset description;
 Serial number,
 Ministry, Department identification number;
(d) The quantities and location of the assets,
(e) Estimated useful lives and estimated time for replacement,
(f) Details about change of location,
(g) Details of repairs, upgrades and enhancements
(ii) Each MDA shall place fixed assets under the following categories:
(i) Land and Building;
(ii) Plant and Machinery;
(iii) Fixtures and Fittings;
(iv) Office Furniture;
(v) Motor Vehicles:
o Fleet Vehicles;
o Assigned Vehicles;
(vi) Computer
o Hardware
o Software
(vii) Other Office Equipment:
(viii) Other Fixed Assets.

8.7.8 Other Registers


(i) Travel Register-for keeping a record in respect of each travelling officer and shall be
maintained in the format prescribed at Appendix 24.
(ii) Utility Registers-for keeping a record in respect of each electricity meter, water meter,
telephone number and any other utility used, These registers shall be maintained in
the format prescribed at Appendices 27 & 28.
(iii) Rent Payable Register- for keeping a record in respect of rental agreements for
properties and equipment rented by MDAs and shall be maintained in the format
prescribed at Appendix 29.
(iv) Contracts Register- for keeping a record in respect of civil works, service contracts
and other forms of contracts and shall be maintained in the format prescribed at
Appendix 30.

8.8 Imprest Accounts

8.8.1 Imprest Operation


(i) Imprests are to be treated as advances under the expenditure classification.
(ii) Bills, vouchers, statements etc. representing payments made from imprest must be
checked and certified before reimbursement and/or clearance of the advance.
(iii) Every imprest holder is required to keep a Cash Book and shall be held personally
responsible for the unexpended balance of the imprest.

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(iv) On each occasion of the recoupment of expenditure from the imprest or the handing
over of the imprest to another officer, the Cash Book must be balanced and the
unexpended balance and vouchers, if any should be reconciled with the amount of the
original imprest.
(v) A senior officer must check and certify to ensure that the cash balance agrees with the
amount shown in the cash book. The Officer taking over the duties of the outgoing
officer shall thereafter responsible be accountable for the imprest.

8.8.2 Imprest at the End of the Financial Year


(i) The authority to operate an imprest lapses at the close of the financial year.
(ii) Accounting Officers may at the end of the financial year require any or all imprest
balances to be surrendered to the Central Payment Account or may direct that they be
rolled over to the new financial year.
(iii) Imprests that have been rolled over to a new financial year shall not be treated as
additional funds for that year and must be surrendered to the Consolidated Fund in the
new financial year from that year’s budget as soon as possible. This is referred to as a
“delayed Surrender” and maybe necessary to prevent the inconvenience of not having
cash at the start of the new financial year to conduct the business of Government.
(iv) For termination of an imprest bank account the procedures relating to the closure of
bank accounts must be followed.

8.9 Outstation Accounts


(i) Outstations that operate an approved imprest bank account shall maintain the
following books of accounts:
(a) A Petty Cash Book;
(b) General Imprest Cash Book;
(c) An Expenditure Ledger; and
(d) any other account approved by the Financial Secretary.

8.10 Fund Accounts


(i) Trust Funds, Revolving Fund and any other Fund, shall maintain the following books
of accounts:
(b) Cash Book or a bank General Ledger account
(c) A General Ledger comprising of the following control accounts:
(i) Fund Control Account;
(ii) Fund Bank Account;
(iii) Fund Investment Account
(iv) Fund Fixed Assets Accounts
(v) Cash-in-Hand; and
(vi) any other account approved by the Financial Secretary
(d) Subsidiary Ledgers for individual Fund Control Accounts.

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8.11 Revenue Accounts

8.11.1 Accounting for Revenues


(i) Revenue Accounts shall be those accounts maintained by PRRs for recording tax
revenues, non-tax revenues and other receipts collected and transferred to the
Consolidated Fund or paid to agencies on whose behalf they were collected.
(ii) Revenue accounts shall comprise of general and subsidiary ledgers described at 8.7.6.
(iii) In accordance with the cash basis of accounting, government revenue shall be
recognised in the books of account at the time of receipt.
(iv) Revenues collected by PRRs must be lodged to the approved transit revenue bank
accounts for subsequent transfer to the Consolidated Fund or for payment to the
relevant agencies for which they were collected.

8.11.2 Responsibility for Collecting and Accounting for Revenue


(i) The responsibility for collecting and accounting for revenues payable to the
Consolidated Fund is placed with the Principal Receivers of Revenue and any relevant
Accounting Officer.
(ii) It shall be the duty of PRRs and Accounting Officers to ensure that revenues
collectible by them are:
(a) actually collected and promptly brought to account;
(b) adequately safeguarded; and
(c) supported by effective systems for assessment, collection and lodgement to
the relevant bank account;
(iii) It shall be the responsibility of the accountable officer to exercise the appropriate care
and due diligence in accounting for government revenues.
(iv) Principal Receivers of Revenue, on the approval of the Financial Secretary may open
official bank accounts to which all their collections must be lodged in the first
instance and from which daily transfers are made to the Consolidated Fund.

8.12 Statutory Heads Accounts

8.12.1 Statutory Heads Definition


(i) Statutory Heads Accounts shall be the accounts maintained in respect of those heads
for which funds are provided by law as reflected in the Estimates of Expenditure.

8.12.2 Responsibility for Preparation of Monthly Statutory Heads Accounts


(i) MDAs shall be responsible fo
(ii) r the preparation and submission of the monthly accounts in respect of the statutory
heads under their control as per the Estimates of Expenditure.
(iii) The AGD shall be responsible for the preparation and submission of the monthly
accounts of the following statutory Heads:-
(a) 20018 Public Debt Statutory
(b) 20019 Pension Statutory

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(iv) The accounts for the Statutory Heads shall be separated and prepared by use of the
relevant financial pattern code as per the uniformed chart of accounts.
(v) MDAs shall not be required to prepare annual Appropriation Accounts in respect of
statutory heads.

8.12.3 Responsibility for Preparation of Annual Statutory Heads Accounts


(i) The AGD shall be responsible for the preparation and submission of the annual
accounts of all statutory heads as per Finance Accounts (h), FAA Act Section 24 H
(1).
(ii) The AGD shall submit the statutory heads annual accounts to the Auditor General and
the Financial Secretary within four (4) months following the end of each financial
year.
(iii) The annual accounts shall be prepared by the AGD through consolidation of the
audited (internal audit) statutory heads accounts submitted by all the relevant MDAs.
(iv) MDAs with statutory Heads shall submit their audited (internal audit) annual statutory
head(s) accounts to the AGD each year within one month following the end of the
financial year.

8.13 Project Accounts

8.13.1 Project Accounts to be maintained


(i) Accounts to be maintained in respect of capital projects or any other project shall
comprise of the following:
(a) A Cash Book;
(b) A General ledger
(c) An Expenditure Sub-Ledger structured according to
(i) The Project’s Estimate of Expenditure, and
(ii) The reporting requirements of the lender/donor organization (i.e. where
such structure is significantly different from that of the Estimates of
Expenditure.);
(d) A Register of Fixed Assets; and
(e) Any other account approved by the Financial Secretary

8.14 Externally Funded Projects(EFP) Accounts

8.14.1 Definitions- EFP


(i) Externally Funded Projects: Projects financed with assistance from loans and/or
grants from a multilateral/bilateral agency under a loan/grant agreement with the GOJ.
(i) Special Accounts: A bank account established in accordance with the terms of a
loan/grant agreement for receiving loan/grant disbursements to be used to make
authorized project payments.
(ii) Third Party Payments: Payments made directly by a lender/donor to a person or entity
whether, locally or internationally through direct utilization of the loan or grant funds.
.

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8.14.2 Budget & Warrant for Externally Funded Projects
(i) The budget of externally funded projects for each financial year shall consist of
expenditure to be financed by :
(a) The Government of Jamaica from the Consolidated Fund and
(b) Loans and grants from multilateral and bilateral organizations.
(ii) Warrants for externally funded project shall be for:
(a) The Government of Jamaica funded portion of the project -
Based on the project’s operational plan and cash flow requirement.
(b) The Externally financed portion of the project -
Based on payments made from loan/grant funs disbursements required to be paid
to the Consolidated Fund.

8.14.3 Accounting Procedures- Externally Funded Projects


(i) The Project Units of ministries and departments must submit to the Ministry’s Main
Accounts Unit the following for each project:
(a) A statement of Receipts and Payments of each Special Bank Account and all other
project bank accounts as shown in Appendix 1
(b) Statement of loan/grant paid by the lender/donor directly to third parties;
(c) Statement of MDA’s project expenditure eligible for reimbursement to the
Consolidated Fund;
(d) Statement of project expenditure eligible for reimbursement by the lender/donor to the
Consolidated Fund; and
(e) Bank Reconciliation Statements for all project bank accounts.
The above statements must be submitted to the Ministry’s main account Unit within
five working (5) days after the end of each month and must be signed by the relevant
Project Manager and Project Accountant.
(ii) All project financial transactions must be reflected in the general ledger (main
accounts) of the relevant Ministry.

8.13.3.1 Special Bank Account


(i) MDAs must maintain in the FinMan a separate bank account for each
special/dedicated bank account held for Projects in their Ministry. The account shall
be maintained in Jamaican dollars based on the current rate of exchange. The
following journal entry shall be made to bring the bank account balances into the
books:
Project XXX Special Project Bank Account Debit
Project XXX Accumulated Fund Account Credit
(ii) The Main Accounts Unit, upon receipt of Statement of Receipts and Payments from
the Project Unit shall make the following journal entries:
Receipts
Project XXX Special Project Bank Account Debit
Project XXX Grant/Loan Account Credit
Payments
Project XXX Expenditure Debit
Project XXX Special Project Bank Account Credit
(iii) The journal entries must be done under the Capital B head of the Ministry for the
Jamaican dollar equivalent of the amounts reflected in the Project Detailed Receipts
and Payments Statements . This is to reflect the following in the Ministry’s main
accounts:

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(a) loan/grant disbursed to special/dedicated bank account; and
(b) Payments made from the special/dedicated bank account.
(iv) The balance in the Special/Dedicated Project Bank account on the FinMan System as
at the end of each month must correspond with the physical bank balance on the
account based on applicable exchange rate at the end of the month.

8.14.3.2 Project Operational J$ Bank Account


(i) MDAs must maintain in the FinMan System a separate bank account for each
Jamaican Dollar project operational bank account held in the Ministry. The following
journal entry shall be made to bring the project bank account balances in the
Ministry’s books:
Project XXX Operational J$ Bank Account Debit
Project XXX Accumulated Fund Account Credit
(ii) Funds transferred from the special/dedicated foreign currency bank accounts to the
local project bank accounts must be recorded in the FinMan system by making the
following journal entry:
Transfer to Project Operational Account
Project XXX Operational J$ Account Debit
Project XXX Special Project Bank Account Credit
(iii) Payments made from project bank accounts must be recorded by making the
following journal entry:
Payments
Project XXX Expenditure Account Debit
Project XXX Project Bank Account Credit
(iv) The balance in the Project Operational Bank account on the FinMan System as at the
end of each month must correspond with the physical bank balance on the account
based on applicable exchange rate at the end of the month.

8.14.3.3 Third Party Payments (Direct Payments)


(i) When advised that lender/donor has made a direct payment, the following journal
entry should be made:
Project XXX 3rd Party Payments Expenditure Account Debit
Project XXX Lender/Donor Account Credit

8.14.3.4 Warrant for reimbursement of the Consolidated Fund


(i) The Ministry’s Main Accounts Unit must submit no later than ten (10) workings days
after the end of each month to Project Unit of the Public Expenditure Division in the
Ministry of Finance a statement of project expenditure.
(ii) The statement of project expenditure must be submitted in the format stipulated by the
Public Expenditure Division of the Ministry of Finance.
(iii) Upon the issue of the Warrant by the Ministry of Finance for the project expenditure
the following journal entry shall be made:
Warrant Balance Account Debit
Warrant Issue Account Credit
(iv) The Accountant General’s Department must submit promptly, an electronic advisory
to the relevant Ministry the amount paid to the Consolidated Fund in respect of the
projects expenditure.
(v) Upon advice by the Accountant General’s Department that warrant funds has been
paid over to the Consolidated Fund the following journal entry shall be made:

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Surrender to Consolidated Fund Account Debit
Warrant Balance Account Credit

8.14.4 Fund Source Code


(ii) All accounting transaction of externally funded projects must be recorded using the
relevant fund source code as per the approved uniformed Chart of Accounts.

8.15 Supporting Records (Vouchers)

8.15.1 Purpose and Nature of Vouchers


(i) In general, each entry in the books of account shall be supported by proper accounting
documents called “vouchers” having at least the following characteristics:
(a) explains the nature and details of the transaction being recorded and showing
the date of its occurrence;
(b) show the persons who have authorised the transaction and the dates of
authorisation. These persons must possess the necessary authority to execute
the authorisation.;
(c) shows the full budget code, selected from the established uniform chart of
accounts, to which the transaction is to be charged;
(d) shows evidence that the prices involved were decided on the basis of arm-
length negotiation, and that as far as possible third party invoices or cash
acknowledgement documents have been obtained and securely filed;
(e) shows cross reference numbers to all the related documentation such as
cheque numbers and bank accounts, supplier invoices received, purchase
orders, delivery notes, invoices issued, tax assessments etc.; and
(f) the dates the transaction was posted to the books of account and the persons
responsible for that posting.
(ii) The supporting records must be securely kept and protected from unauthorised access
or destruction. This means that a specific person must be entrusted with this
responsibility and it is best held by the person who has posted the transaction in the
books of account.
(iii) The standard voucher forms to be used by MDAs are shown at Appendix 31.

8.16 Records Management

8.16.1 Responsibility for Records Management


(i) Accounting Officers and Heads of Departments shall be responsible to ensure that:
(a) proper facilities are provided for the storage of records;
(b) records are arranged in an orderly and logical manner, to enable easy access when
required;
(c) records are stored in a safe and secure place; and
(d) proper documentation is in place for recording file movement.

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8.16.2 Destruction Schedule
(i) In keeping with the approval of the Archives Advisory Committee, the minimum
period prescribed for the preservation of accounting and related records shall be as
outlined in Appendix 14.
(ii) The number of years shall be counted from the date of the record of the last
transaction entered.

8.16.3 Jamaica Archives


(i) The Jamaica Archives should be informed when records are proposed to be disposed
of.
(ii) Permanent records should be transferred to the Archives and a schedule maintained of
such items.

8.16.4 Disposal of Records


(i) A schedule of the items to be destroyed must be prepared and checked by an
authorized senior officer to ensure compliance with the minimum period for
preservation and compliance with all other instructions.
(ii) Following certification of the schedule by the authorized officer, disposal should take
place promptly in an environmentally friendly manner and under the observation of at
least two officers designated by the Accounting Officer.

8.17 Financial Reporting

8.17.1 The Purpose and Qualities of Financial Statements


(i) The primary purpose of financial statements is to provide necessary information to
facilitate managerial decision making regarding programmes and to provide
accountability to stakeholders. To be meaningful, financial statements must satisfy the
following minimum qualities:
a. Relevance: the financial statements are prepared to provide information
about the financial performance and financial position of Government, to
be able to assess its stewardship and for making economic decisions
regarding the delivery of its programmes/obligations to the population.
Financial information is relevant if it has the ability to influence those
decisions.
b. Reliability: the: financial statements should provide financial information
that is reliable. Financial information is reliable if it reflects the substance
of transactions (and not simply the form), other events which have taken
place, is free from bias and material error, is complete and accurate, and
under conditions of uncertainty has been prudently prepared.
c. Comparability: the financial statements of a Government entity should
provide information, which is capable of meaningful comparison with
similar information about other Government entities for the same reporting
period. Similarly, financial statements should provide information that is
meaningfully comparable from one reporting period to another.Meaningful
comparability is achieved through uniform and consistent application of
the approved accounting rules as well as disclosures in the financial
statements throughout Government. For this reason, any changes in the

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accounting rules or principles must be subject to prior approval of the
Financial Secretary.
d. Understandable: the information provided by the Government’s General
Purpose Financial Statements must be capable of being understood by the
diversity of users with interest and reasonable knowledge of the affairs of
the public sector and its economic activities. Thus, the financial statements
should be able to be linked with the underlying government programmes
and activities. One of the ways to achieve this objective is to ensure
consistence between the financial statements and the corresponding
approved national budget not only in format but also in content.
e. Materiality: due regard should be given to materiality in deciding the
information to be contained in the Government’s financial statements. An
item of information is material if its misstatement or omission might
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users of
those financial statements. Whether the information is material will depend
on the size and nature of the item in question judged in the particular
circumstances of the case. The following factors should be taken into
account in deciding whether an item of information is material:
(i) The item's size is judged in the context of the financial statements as a
whole as well as other information available to users, which would affect
their evaluation of those financial statements.
(ii) Consideration must be given to the legality, sensitivity, normality, and
potential consequences of the item, the identity of the parties involved,
and the particular disclosures in the financial statements.

8.17.2 Deadline for Submission of Financial Reports


(i) Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Financial Accounting Reportsshall be submitted by
Accounting Officers and Principal Receivers of Revenue to the Auditor General and
the Financial Secretary as follows:
:
Statements Timeline for Submission

Monthly Financial Reports Within fourteen working days of


the subsequent month
Quarterly Financial Reports Within fourteen working days of
the subsequent quarter
Annual Financial Reports Four months following the end of
the financial year.

8.17.3 Financial Reports – General Conditions


(i) Financial reports shall be prepared in Jamaican dollars and where conversion is done
from a foreign currency to Jamaican dollars; it must be rounded off to the nearest
cent.
(ii) These transactions shall be converted at the exchange rate at the date of the receipts
and payments. Cash balances held in a foreign currency should be reported using the
closing rate which is the Bank of Jamaica weighted average rate. The rate used must
be stipulated in the notes to the accounts.

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(iii) The accounts shall be prepared using the cash basis accounting methodology unless
otherwise approved by the Financial Secretary to produce accounts on an accrual
basis.
(iv) The accounts must be supported by notes where necessary to ensure correct
interpretation of the information being presented.
(v) The accounts for each quarter must be on a year to date basis.
(vi) The accounts for all months in respect of each quarter must be closed before the
financial statements are submitted.
(vii) The words “Period Closed” must be stated on each statement submitted

8.17.4 MDA’s Monthly Financial Reports


(i) Monthly financial reports in respect of MDAs shall consist of the following:

No. Statement Financial Pattern

MFR 1 Trial Balance FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90
MFR 2 Receipt and Payment Statement FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90
MFR 3 Bank Reconciliation Statement FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90
MFR 4 Statement of Bank Balance FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45
Statement of Expenditure by FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32
MFR 5
Activities
Statement of Expenditure by FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32
MFR 6
Objects
MFR10 Summary of Advances FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32
MFR11 List of Advances FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32
MFR14 List of Deposits FP45
Statement of Miscellaneous FP90
MFR16
Revenue
Statement of Appropriations-in- FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32
MFR17
aid

(ii) See Appendix 32 for format of MDA’s monthly financial reports.

8.17.5 MDAs’ Quarterly Financial Reports


(i) Quarterly financial reports in respect of MDAs shall consist of the following:

No. Statement
QFR1 Financial Management Status Report
QFR 2 Report on Loss/Damage and Overpayment
QFR 3 Statement of Investments
QFR 4 Internal Audit Report
QFR 5 Operational Plan Monitoring Report

(ii) See Appendix 33 for format of MDA’s quarterly financial reports.

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8.17.6 MDAs’ Annual Financial Statements
(i) Annual financial statements in respect of MDAs shall consist of the following:

No. Statement Authority

AFR 1 FAA Act Section 19A


Statement of Commitments at end of Financial Year
(5)(a)

AFR 2 FAA Act Section 19A


Statement of Unpaid Bills at the end of the financial year
(5)(a)

AFR 3 Appropriation Account by Activities and Objects & Explanation of FAA Act Section 24I(1)
Major Variation

AFR 4 Board of Survey Report FAA Reg. 33.2

AFR 6 Status Report on Fixed Assets Instruction 7.3.5

AFR 7 Fund Balance Sheet FAA Act Section 24(I)(c)

AFR 8 Fund Receipts and Payment Statement FAA Act Section 24(I)( c)

(ii) The Appropriation Account and all other annual accounts must be checked and
verified by the Chief Audit Executive before submission to the Auditor-General and
the Financial Secretary.
(iii)The Appropriation Account and all other annual accounts must be prepared in
quintuplicate and signed by the Accounting Officer. The original and three copies
of the Appropriation Account must be forwarded to the Auditor-General and one
copy sent to the Financial Secretary.
(iv) The Auditor-General shall certify the Appropriation Accounts and other annual
statements.
(v) The Auditor-General shall also cause the certified Appropriation and other relevant
annual accounts to be tabled in the Houses of Parliament.
(vi) See Appendix 34 for format of statements AFS 1, AFS 2 and AFS 3.

8.17.7 PRRs’ Monthly & Annual Revenue Financial Statements


(i) Monthly and annual revenue financial statements in respect of PRR s shall consist
of the following:

Statement
Statement Name Frequency
Code

RS 1 Trial Balance Monthly

RS 2 Revenue Receipts and Payments Statements Monthly

RS 3 Revenue Bank Reconciliation Statement Monthly

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RS 4 Statement of Revenue Bank Accounts Monthly

Statement of Net Revenue Collections and Remittance to the


RS 5 Monthly
Consolidated Fund

RS 6 Statement of Gross Revenue, Refund and Drawbacks Monthly

Annual Within
four (4) months
RS 7 Statement of Net revenue Collections Compared with Revenue following the end
Estimates of the financial
year

(ii) The Statement of Net Revenue Collected and Explanations of Variations


respectively shall be the principal statements to be submitted annually by Principal
Receivers of Revenue. Both statements must be signed by the Principal Receiver of
Revenue.
(iii) Statement of Net Revenue and Explanations of Variations must be prepared in
quintuplicate and signed by the Accounting Officer. The original and two copies of
the statement should be forwarded to the Auditor-General, one copy sent to the
Financial Secretary, and one copy retained in file.
(iv) The Statement of Net Revenue shall give an account of the net revenue collected
under the heads of revenue for which the respective Principal Receiver of Revenue
is responsible. The statement shall reflect the collections against the respective
items in the revenue estimate.
(v) Explanations of Variations shall provide explanations for the causes of major
variations between the estimates and the net receipts.

8.17.8 Accountant General’s Annual Financial Statement


(i) The Accountant General is required to prepare the following annual financial
statements called “Finance Accounts”

Statement
Statement Name
Code

Statement A Current assets and liabilities of the Consolidated Fund;

Statement B Revenue actually paid into the Consolidated Fund


Principal Bank Account as compared with the Estimates
of Revenue

Statement C Actual expenditure from the Consolidated Fund Principal


Bank Account as compared with the estimates of
expenditure

Statement D The public debt of Jamaica showing transactions for the


relevant year of account and the balance of sinking funds
held against redemption

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Statement E Advances and loans from the Consolidated Fund showing
transactions for the year of account and, for those
accounts in respect of which no recovery is reported
during that year, the date of the most recent recovery;

Statement F Capital investments of the Consolidated Fund showing


transactions for the year of account, the securities held
and the proportion of equity held on behalf of the
Government

Statement G Balances held by the Accountant General on deposit at


the end of the financial year and the outstanding advances
made therefrom

Statement H Expenditure in respect of those services which by law are


directly charged upon the Consolidated Fund as
compared with budget forecasts;

Statement I Outstanding loans or credits guaranteed by the


Government

Statement J Receipts and Payments of the Contingencies Fund

Statement K Such other matters as the Minister may direct


for the purpose of amplifying the information
required under paragraphs (a) to (i).

(ii) ) The Accountant General shall submit the Finance Accounts statements to the
Auditor General who shall certify them and the statements as so certified shall be
laid on the Table of the House of Representatives.

8.17.9 Statements to be tabled by the Minister of Finance


(i) FAA Act Section 24G. (1) states “ In respect of each financial year and as soon as possible after the
end of such financial year, the Minister shall lay the following statements on the Table of the House of
Representatives …..”

Statement
Statement
Code

(a) The statement of the receipts and payments in respect of the


Consolidated Fund Principal Bank Account
(b) A statement of assets and liabilities of the Consolidated Fund
showing balances in respect of current assets and liabilities;
(c) A summary of the transactions of the Consolidated Fund Principal
Bank Account as compared with budget forecasts;
(d) A statement of the revenue and expenditure of the Consolidated
Fund Principal Bank Account as compared with the original and
revised budget forecasts.

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( e) The General Purpose Financial Statement which
comprises of:
The Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments;
(i) Accounting policies and explanatory notes; and
(ii) Comparison of the budget with actual amounts.

(ii) The statements referred to in subsection (8.16.9) (i) shall be prepared in accordance
with the accounts as at the end of the relevant financial year and shall be signed by the
Accountant General.

8.18 MDAs’ Ratings re Timely Preparation & Submission of Financial


Statements
(i) The MOF shall prepare and release for each month a statement showing the ratings of
MDAs regarding the timely submission of statutory monthly, quarterly and annual
financial reports.

(ii) The statement shall be based on the submission of monthly, quarterly and annual
reports submitted within the statutory deadlines.

(iii) For the purpose of ratings the quarterly and monthly reports for previous financial
years will not be measured in the current financial year as this will be captured in the
measurement of the annual reports in the monthly ratings.

(iv) The ratings score shall be based on the following penalty points system:
Appropriation and Other Annual 30 points per year for each Annual
Accounts Outstanding statement outstanding
Quarterly Statements 25 points per quarterly submission
outstanding
Monthly Statements 20 points per monthly submission
outstanding

(v) The rating grade shall be as follows:


Grade
A -Excellent Score not greater than zero
B -Good Score greater than zero but less than 100
C- Fair Score greater than 100 but less than 250
D-Poor Score greater than 250

(vi) Principal Finance Officers and other Head of Accounts Branch that presides over
MDAs that receive ”C” and “D” ratings for three (3) consecutive months shall cause
a letter be sent to their Accounting Officer or Head of Department by the Financial
Secretary requesting advice on the plan of action to be taken to address the situation.

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(vii) Where following the letter at (vi) above the MDA’s ratings has for the next two (2)
months shows no significant improvement, the Financial Secretary shall issue a
second letter to the Accounting Officer, Head of department requesting strong action
be taken to address the matter and to be advised of same.

(viii) Possible action that may be taken by the Accounting Officer or Head of Department
against the Principal Finance Officer/ Head of Accounts Department and/or the head
of Final Accounts unit or other culpable officer(s) includes the following:
 Non-Renewal of Contract
 Forfeiture of Contract Gratuity
 Forfeiture of Salary Increment when due
 Deferment of vacation leave
 Transfer

8.19 Electronic Bank Statement


(i) MDAs may accept electronic bank statement to execute their bank reconciliation.
However, the same level of checks must be executed with this statement as done with
the physical bank statement.

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9 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

9.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

None.
II. Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015

Part III : Administration


Section 16:Minister shall designate public officers as Accounting Officers
Section 16(2): Responsibilities of Accounting Officers and accountability to the Minister.
Section 24F: Responsibility of Accounting Officers to issue written instructions to
accountable officers
Section 25(3)(a):The Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General shall have physical and
electronic access rights to all accounting records of ministries and departments and may
import such data from the latter’s system to their system for the purposes of consolidation,
analysis, examination and any other purpose necessary for the conduct of their function.
Section 49: Responsibility of Accounting Officers to report to the Financial Secretary and
the Auditor deficiency, loss or destruction
Section 51: Empowers the Financial Secretary to issue instruction to be known as Financial
Instructions in relation to public financial business.

III. The Financial Management Regulations

Regulations 78-109:Loss of public property

9.2 Financial Instructions


The Financial Instructions herein is the full and complete updated Financial Instructions with
regarding the above Law and Regulations at the date of publication. All previous statements
contained Instructions, Circulars as listed at the end of the document and or any other
publication is considered incorporated and revoked to the extent that the matter is covered in
this document.

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9.3 Guidelines for the Acceptance of Gifts

9.3.1 Condition for the Acceptance of Gifts


(i) Gifts accepted may be in the form of money, services, physical assets and consumable
items.
(ii) Gifts must only be accepted from reputable individuals and organizations. Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must use due diligence to ensure that gifts are not
from tainted sources.
(iii) Gifts accepted must be owned by the donor(s).
(iv) Gifts must provide social, economic and/or financial net benefit to the Government.
(v) Donated assets must not result in major recurring expenditure that will place a high
cost on the budget in relation to the services it will provide. Therefore, the necessary
cost benefit analysis must be done to determine the cost-effectiveness.
(vi) Gifts must not be accepted as an incentive for hidden benefits, rights or privileges to
the donor.
(vii) MDAs must not accept gifts that are:
(a) Obsolete in technology;
(b) Hazardous to the environment;
(c) Energy inefficient; and
(d) Inconsistent with Government policies.
(viii) Where appropriate, MDAs must consult with the Jamaica Customs Agency for the
clearance of gifts donated by an overseas source.
(ix) Gifts from overseas sources will not necessarily receive exemption from applicable
duties, quarantines or licensing requirements.

9.3.2 Approval for Acceptance of Gifts


(i) Gifts that are likely to have a significant impact on the country’s national programmes
and policies and which satisfy all the conditions at one (9.3.1), require the prior
approval of Cabinet before acceptance.
(ii) Gifts that will not have a significant impact on the country’s national programmes
and policies and which satisfy all the the conditions at (9.3.1), require the prior
approval of the Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive Officer.
(iii) Gifts that are likely to incur continuous expenditure on an annual basis must be
incorporated in the MDA’s annual estimates of expenditure.
(iv) The terms and conditions of gifts to be accepted must be agreed in writing and signed
by both the donor and the recipient of the gifts. This may be in the form of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
(v) When gifts are received, the Acceptance of Gift Form at Appendix 16must be
completed. The form must be signed by the following:
(a) The responsible officer of the MDA receiving the gift(s); and
(b) The Accounting Officer, Head of Department, Chief ExecutiveOfficer or his/her
designate.

9.4 Donation of Money


(i) Where approved donation of cash is received for purposes specified by the donor, MDAs
shall:
(a) Lodge the funds to its Deposit Bank Account;

155
(b) Advise the Ministry of Financeof (a) above requesting its incorporation in the
Estimates of Expenditure or Supplementary Estimates as Appropriation-in-Aid.
(ii) Where approved donation of cash is received with no instruction for it to be used for a
specific purpose, the funds received must be lodged promptly to the Consolidated Fund.
(iii)In all cases where approved donation of cash is received, the donor must be issued an
official receipt.
(iv) Expenditure made from the donated funds, pending inclusion in the Supplementary
Estimates or Estimates of Expenditure may be spent from the Deposit Account.
(v) The balance of AIA funds held on deposits must be transferred to the recurrent, capital
head or the Central Payment Account (CPA) where appropriate.
(vi) The MDA shall record donation of money in the “other assistance grant aid” category of
the Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments (See Appendix I).

9.5 Donation In-Kind


(i) Donation in kind maybe classified as follows:
(a) Skill labour;
(b) Special skills;
(c) Consultant services;
(d) Medical services;
(e) Physical assets;
(f) Consumables items (food, medications, clothing, toiletries, etc.; and
(g) Other in kind items.
(ii) Upon the acceptance of gift in kind, its value must be estimated based on the prevailing
market rate. The prevailing market rate should include all costs incurred in bringing the
asset into use, such as transportation, installation, custom duties and licencing fees.
(iii)Where the value of the asset exceeds Five Hundred Thousand Dollars Jamaican
(J$500,000.00), the amount and the basis on which the market value was determined must
be disclosed in the notes to the General Purpose Financial Statements for MDAs and
Consolidated General Purpose Financial Statement as shown at Appendices 3 and 4.
(iv) Donated assets must be inventorised and added to the Fixed Assets register.

9.6 Overpayment of Public Funds

9.6.1 Prevention and Detection of Overpayment


(i) Accounting and accountable officers must ensure that proper systems of internal
control are in place to prevent and detect overpayments.
(ii) The Chief Audit Executive shall advise accounting and accountable officers as to the
adequacy of the system of internal control.
(iii) In order to prevent and detect overpayments, accounting /accountable officers must
ensure that an audit of the payments and salaries sections of the Accounts Department
be carried out at least once every year.

9.6.2 Discovery of Overpayment


(i) Where an overpayment of public funds is detected, the accounting or accountable
officer must undertake the following procedures: -

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(a) Ascertain whether the overpayment represents an error, fraud or corruption.
Where fraud is suspected the Police must be immediately summoned. The
Auditor-General and the Financial Secretary must be advised accordingly.
(b) Ascertain the internal control weakness, if any, that led to the overpayment and
where appropriate, put measures in place to prevent recurrence.
(c) Ascertain the full amount of the overpayment and the period of time over which it
occurred.
(d) Ascertain whether the full amount of the overpayment can be recovered from the
payee and the method of recovery.

9.6.3 Recovery of Overpayment


(i) Accounting and accountable officers shall be responsible for ensuring the full
recovery of all amounts overpaid from public fund within the financial year to which
the overpayment was discovered, or at such other time that would be considered fair
and reasonable after careful assessment of the payee’s financial position.

9.6.3.1 Recovery of Overpayment made to Private Persons or Organizations


(i) The following procedures must be undertaken to effect recovery of overpayments:
(a) Notify the payee in writing of the amount overpaid, clearly providing sufficient
details as to how the overpayment was derived. This shall include appropriate
references to voucher number, cheque number, invoice number, contract clause and
any other relevant information.
(b) Deduct the full amount overpaid from any amount owed to the person or organization
to whom the overpayment was made and accordingly submit notification to them by
way of a Debit Note.
(c) Advise the person or organization to pay over within fourteen (14) working days from
the date of notification, any balance not recovered from the overpayment.
(d) Follow up to ensure that the overpaid amount is recovered within the required time
frame. Where payment is not received after at least two (2) reminders, the matter
must be referred to the Attorney General or the organization’s legal officer to pursue
legal action provided that it is cost effective to do so.

9.6.3.2 Recovery of Overpayment made to Public Officers


(i) Notify the payee in writing of the amount overpaid, clearly providing sufficient
details as to how the overpayment was derived. This shall include appropriate
references to voucher number, cheque number, invoice number, contract clause and
any other relevant information.
(ii) The officer should be requested to repay immediately the full amount overpaid upon
notification at (i) above.
(iii)Where the officer is unable to immediately repay the amount overpaid, the full
amount shall be recovered from the officer’s salary on a monthly or fortnightly basis
not exceeding one-sixth of his/her gross pay per month or fortnight. The repayment
shall commence from the earliest monthly or fortnightly pay cycle, and shall continue
until the overpayment is fully recovered.

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(iv) Where an officer resigns, retires or is dismissed, before full recovery of the amount
overpaid, any balance outstanding must be recovered in full from the officer’s final
salary payment. This include, leave pay, gratuity, pension payment and any other sum
owed to the officer.
(v) Where overpayment is discovered in respect of a public officer who has resigned,
retired or dismissed, and where all final payments have been made to the officer, the
following shall apply:
(a) Notify the former public officer in writing of the amount overpaid, clearly
providing sufficient details as to how the overpayment was derived. This shall
include appropriate references to voucher number, cheque number, invoice
number, contract clause and any other relevant information. The former public
officer must be requested to make full payment within thirty (30) days from
notification or to provide in writing the most reasonable/ appropriate period to
which the overpayment can be recovered.
(b) Follow up to ensure that the overpaid amount is recovered within the required
time frame. Where payment is not received after at least two (2) reminders, the
matter must be referred to the Attorney General or the organization’s legal officer
to pursue legal action, provided it is cost effective to do so.

9.6.4 Irrecoverable Overpayment


(i) Where overpayment is deemed irrecoverable, the culpable or negligent officer(s)
responsible for the overpayment must be ascertained. In the case of ministries,
departments and agencies, a request for an investigation must be submitted to the
Auditor-General who shall where appropriate make recommendation to the Financial
Secretary for an imposition of surcharge in accordance with Section 20 of the FAA
Act.
(ii) In the case of public bodies, the recommendation for recovery and/or disciplinary
action shall be submitted to the Board for its approval or the Financial Secretary for
appropriate action as set out under Section 25 of the Public Bodies Management and
Accountability (PBMA) (Act).
(iii) Where there is found an overpayment of salaries or allowance which was as a result
of noncompliance to Ministry of Finance’s procedures and guidelines but which
forms part of a legitimate employment contract or employment letter, recovery of the
amount overpaid should not be effected from the payee but from the officer(s) found
culpable for approving such payments. Recovery must be effected as set out at
(9.6.3.2) above.

9.6.5 Disputed Overpayment


(i) Where the payee disputes the overpayment, the matter must be addressed as follows: -
(a) Request the Chief Audit Executive of the Ministry, Department, Agency or Public
Body to examine and certify the amount overpaid;
(b) Present the findings of the Chief Audit Executive to the payee;
(c) If the payee disputes the findings of the Chief Audit Executive, the matter shall be
referred to the Auditor-General for review; and

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(d) Where the payee still disputes the amount overpaid following the Auditor-General’s
review, the matter shall be referred to the Attorney General and/or the organization’s
legal officer for resolution.
(ii) The Financial Secretary must be advised on each stage of the resolution of the dispute
regarding the overpayment.

9.6.6 Request for Waiver of Recovery


(i) Accounting Officers may seek the Financial Secretary’s approval to waive the
recovery of an overpayment on humanitarian grounds. Accounting Officers must
however establish the following:
(a) that the overpayment was the fault of the organization and that the person(s) who
caused the overpayment no longer work in the system and all efforts to make
contact have failed;
(b) the person overpaid had no reasonable knowledge that he was being overpaid; and
(c) the recovery of the amount overpaid from the payee will place the individual at a
severe disadvantage.
(ii) Request for waivers of recovery of overpayment will be dealt with on a case by case
basis.

9.6.7 Write-off of Overpayment


(i) Write-off of overpayments shall be done in accordance with Instruction 7.7.

9.7 Payment of General Consumption Tax

9.7.1 Who is to Pay GCT?


(i) All public sector entities excluding those exempted by law shall pay the full amount
of General Consumption Tax (GCT) charged on imported goods and domestic taxable
supplies.
(ii) GCT shall not be payable where a condition in a project/donor agreement has a clause
stipulating that no part of the lender/donor or foreign government funds may be used
for payment of taxes. Invoices in respect of purchases under these projects must be
submitted to TAJ to be zero-rated.
(iii) Government schools, colleges and universities shall be required to pay GCT on
domestic taxable supplies and on imported goods.

9.7.2 Registration as a Tax Withholding Entity (TWE)


(i) MDAs shall be registered with Tax Administration Jamaica as a Tax Withholding
Entity (TWE) and deduct and withhold the GCT payable on goods and service from
their suppliers.

9.7.3 Issuing of WTC from the Jamaica Tax Portal


(i) Withholding Tax Certificates (WTC) must be issued by MDAs through use of the
Jamaica Tax Portal.

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(i) Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Chief Executive Officers shall
designate in writing persons authorised to generate WTCs as well as persons
authorised to sign them.

9.7.4 When to Issue the WTC?


(i) A WTC must be issued within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the invoice providing the
following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) the goods and services have been certified by authorised officer of the MDA as
being properly received; and
(b) the invoice has been checked and verified as correct by the relevant officer of the
MDA.
(ii) WTCs must be issued for valid and accepted supplier’s invoice. Any discrepancy or
problem with an invoice must be resolved and where necessary the invoice cancelled
and replaced by the supplier before the relevant WTC is issued.
(iii) A WTC must be issued on receipt of the supplier’s invoice and not when payment is
made to the supplier.

9.7.5 Who is to Issue the WTC?


(i) Public officers designated in writing by the Accounting Officer, Chief Executive
Officer or Head of Departments being responsible for issuing and signing WTCs must
be an appropriate officer from the Procurement, General Services Unit of the TWE or
those officers engaged in the checking and verification of the receipt of goods and
services and/or the checking and verification of invoices.
(ii) The Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Head of Department must ensure
that officers designated to issue and sign WTCs are subject to an independent check
on a periodic basis.

9.7.6 Failure to Issue WTC


(i) All complaints by suppliers of late or non-receipt of WTCs must be immediately
referred to the Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer, or Head of Department.
(ii) The Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Department must for
each complaint, order an investigation and receive a report within two (2) weeks of
receipt of the complaint.
(iii) Where the investigation revealed that the complaint is inaccurate or invalid the
supplier must be advised accordingly.
(iv) Where the investigation revealed that the complaint is valid, the Accounting Officer,
Chief Executive Officer, or Head of Department shall take appropriate disciplinary
action in accordance with the law and put effective measures in place to ensure the
timely issuing of certificates.

9.7.7 The GCT Returns - Form 4F


(i) At the end of each month, MDAs shall generate and submit electronically the GCT
Returns -Form 4F by using the Jamaica Tax Portal.

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(ii) The Form 4F captures all the GCT withheld for a month and accordingly reflects the
total amount payable to TAJ for GCT for that month. This must be checked in details
for accuracy.
(iii) The payment of the GCT payable, based on the Form 4F shall be the responsibility of
the Principal Finance Officer/Head of Accounts Section of the MDA notwithstanding
circumstances where the actual payment is done by the Accountant General’s
Department.
(iv) MDAs must ensure that GCT returns and payment of all taxes and statutory
deductions are kept up-to-date.

9.8 Investment of Public Funds

9.8.1 Investment Officer


(i) Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Chief Executive Officers shall
assign or designate an appropriate officer as the entity’s Investment Officer to be
responsible for the management of its investment portfolio.

9.8.2 Funds for Investment


(i) MDAs may invest fund not immediately needed in respect of the following::
(a) Special Funds
(b) Revolving Funds
(c) Any other funds held outside of budgetary or appropriated funds
(ii) Investment of funds from the Consolidated Fund and Trust Funds shall be executed
by the Accountant General subject to the approval of the Minister in accordance with
Section 6 and 14 of the FAA Act respectively.

9.8.3 Authorized Financial Institutions and Investments


(i) Ministries Departments Agencies (MDAs) shall invest funds only in institutions
regulated by the Banking Act, the Financial Institutions Act, the Building Societies
Act or the Financial Services Commission Act.
(ii) MDAs are authorized to invest public funds only in the following investment
instruments:
(a) GoJ Treasury Bills’;
(b) GoJ Local Registered Stocks;
(c) GoJ Debentures and Bonds;
(d) BoJ Repos;
(e) Demand Deposit Accounts;
(f) Certificates of Deposit; and
(g) Any other investment authorized by the Financial Secretary..
(iii) No more than twenty-five (25%) percent of an MDA’s total investment portfolio
should be invested in a single security type or with a single financial institution except
where the investment is backed by Government of Jamaica securities.
(iv) MDAs shall not directly invest in securities maturing more than one year from the
date of purchase.

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9.8.4 Investment Approval
(i) The placement of each individual or package of investment and roll-overs requires the
following approval:

Investment Amount Approved By


$2 million and Under Accounting Officer, Head of Department and
Chief Executive Officer
Over $2 million Financial Secretary

9.8.5 Investment Interest


(i) Interest and Dividend earned on the investment must be paid promptly to the
Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue unless:
(a) The statute, trust deed or covenant or special approved arrangement in respect of
the fund invested stipulates some other method of utilisation of the interest or
dividend; or
(b) The Financial Secretary approves some other method of utilisation of the interest
or dividend.
(ii) MDAs may apply to the Ministry of Finance for a portion or all of the interest earned
from investments, to be utilized on activities/projects, which are inadequately or not
provided for in the budget.
(iii) The requests to utilize the interest earned or a portion thereof shall be examined on a
case-by-case basis and approval granted only in particular circumstances where the
MDA is in dire need of funds to undertake approved activities or projects which
cannot be met from the existing budget.
(iv) Where such approval is granted, the amount shall be included in the Supplementary
Estimates of Expenditure as Appropriations-in-aid.

9.8.6 Accounting and Reporting of Investments


(i) Accounting Officers and other accountable officers must ensure that proper
accounting records are maintained for investments.
(ii) All investment accounts, including Call Accounts, must be reconciled monthly and at
the end of the financial year.
(iii) Accounting and other accountable officers must prepare and submit a Statement of
Investment to the Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General for each quarter as
stated at Instruction 8.12.5.

9.8.7 Investments by Public Bodies


(i) Public bodies shall apply the investment policy approved by their governing Board.

(ii) Where a Public Body does not have an approved investment policy it shall adopt the
principles of the Public Sector Investment Policy..

9.9 Letter of Credit Facility


(i) MDAs may establish Letters of Credit to make payments where such payment mode
is a requirement by the supplier.

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(ii) MDAs must ensure that warrant funds are available to facilitate payment under the
Letter of Credit Facility.
(iii) Request for approval to establish a letter of credit facility must be submittedto the
Accountant General within an appropriate time frame. The request must have the
following information:
(a) The Purpose of the Facility;
(b) The duration of the Facility;
(c) The Name and Address of the Supplier;
(d) The Terms and Conditions of the Supplier’s Agreement;
(e) The Letter of Credit Contract Amount;
(f) The Currency in which the facility will operate;
(g) The Name and Address of the preferred bank and justification for selection;
(h) The proposed interest rate to be paid on deposit (in writing from the bank);
(i) The proposed costs and conditions (to be included in the formal proposal from
the bank(s) outlining all costs associated with the transaction); and
(j) If a new bank account is to be opened - the Type of Account, signatories on
the account etc.
(iv) MDAs should ensure that the Letter of Credit facility when established is in
compliance with the supplier’s instructions.
(v) MDAs should advise the Accountant General of the date the Letter of Credit facility
was established and the date the final payment was made to the supplier.
(vi) Once the Letter of Credit Facility has been established, the MDA shall make the
relevant payment to the approved financial institution through the Central Treasury
Management System (CTMS).
(vii) Departments and agencies not on CTMS shall execute payments to the approved
financial institutions directly from their bank accounts.

9.10 Purchase of Fuel by Debit Cards

9.10.1 Authority for the System


(i) An advance or Debit Card System is established by the Ministry of Finance for the
purchase of fuel for the public sector.

9.10.2 Fuel Limit


(i) MDAs must set annual budgets for procurement of fuel, per vehicle and/or item, of
equipment.
(ii) Using the annual usage patterns, a limit must be placed on the amount of expenditure
that may be incurred, by each vehicle and/or item of equipment over a given period.
(iii) Transport managers must obtain particulars in respect of vehicles/equipment, to
determine monthly limits for fuel consumption for each vehicle (fleet and assigned)
and items of equipment, and submit same to the Financial Secretary for preparation of
advance cards.
(iv) Monthly limits for fuel consumption may be adjusted in accordance with usage
patterns over time, subject to approval of the Financial Secretary.

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9.10.3 Budgetary Provision – Fuel & Service
(i) MDAs shall make budgetary provision for each vehicle/item of equipment, as set out
below:
(a) One time registration fee;
(b) Monthly service charge; and
(c) Monthly deposit for procurement of fuel.

9.10.4 Container Card


(i) A container card may be used to purchase fuel only in respect of designated items of
equipment.
(ii) The officer with responsibility for obtaining fuel for equipment must tender the
container card to retailers in exchange for fuel.

(iii) Officers must allow for transaction verification prior to the dispensation of fuel. This
action includes verification of:
(a) Equipment particulars; and
(b) Card account balances.
(iv) Upon verification and dispensation of fuel, officers must sign a printed receipt and
return a copy to their transport manager.
(v) Operators should ensure that the value of the fuel received, is accurately reflected on
the printed receipt prior to affixing a signature.
(vi) Under no circumstances shall container cards be –
(a) presented to retailer for products other than fuel;
(b) used in exchange for servicing;
(c) used to obtain fuel for any item of equipment other than for which it is issued;
and
(d) used to obtain cash instead of fuel.

9.10.5 Declined Transactions


(i) Transactions shall be declined for the following reasons:
(a) insufficient balances on accounts; and/or
(b) fraudulent transactions, i.e. circumstances in which vehicle/equipment
particulars do not agree with information encoded on the card tendered.
(ii) Under no circumstances shall a vehicle/item of equipment exceed its budget
allocation as any excess expenditure on deposits shall attract an interest penalty which
is payable by the respective ministry or department.
(iii) Transaction receipts shall be imprinted with “warnings” as a vehicle/item of
equipment approaches balance on account limits. Transport Managers shall:
(a) Manage fleet vehicle budgets effectively in order to ensure that allocations are not
exhausted; and
(b) Keep operators of assigned vehicles informed of the budget limits placed on these
vehicles. Having been advised of these limits, assignees shall manage them
effectively in order to ensure that allocations are not exhausted.

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(iv) In the event that a transaction is declined for insufficient balance on account,
ministries and/or departments are required to promptly contact the provider of the
advance card system to effect resolution.

9.10.6 Vehicle Odometers


(i) Transport managers must ensure that vehicle odometer is in working condition at all
times, as fuel shall not be provided for a vehicle with a non-functional odometer.

9.10.7 Loss of Advance Card


(i) Loss of advance cards must be reported immediately to:
(a) The provider, in order to effect the necessary cancellations; and
(b) The Financial Secretary and the Auditor-General.

9.10.8 Deactivation of Cards


(i) In the event that a motor vehicle is rendered out of service for a period in excess of
one month, due to an accident, or unavailability of spare parts, the
ministry/department shall have the option to request from the provider the
deactivation of the dedicated card, and its subsequent renewal when the vehicle is
rehabilitated.

9.10.9 Account Reconciliation


(i) Transport managers/accounts departments should effect reconciliation between
statements received from the provider and copies of signed receipts submitted by
assignees, fleet vehicle operators and/or officers responsible for purchasing fuel for
equipment.
(ii) Discrepancies should be promptly resolved among the respective parties, and the
Financial Secretary advised accordingly.

9.11 Use of Government Telephone

9.11.1 Personal Calls


(i) Public officers shall use Government provided communications equipment and
services for official business, however devices may be used to make or receive
personal calls during duty hours provided that:
(a) The calls do not adversely affect the performance of employees’ official duties or
the organisation’s work performance;
(b) They are of a reasonable duration and frequency; and
(c) The calls could not reasonably have been made or received during non-duty hours.

9.11.2 Identification of Private Calls


(i) Where feasible a system (e.g. Audix) should be put in place and each employee
assigned a unique authorization code. This code will link each employee to the calls

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that he/she has made in a particular period. The employee can then determine and
indicate clearly which calls were made for official purposes and those for private
purposes. In the event that the implementation of such a system is not feasible, a
record of all private calls made must be maintained showing the:
(a) Number called;
(b) Date and time of the call, and
(c) Name of the officer making the call.

9.11.3 Cost Recovery for Private Calls


(i) Employees making personal calls (including overseas calls to cellular telephones)
must be charged for the cost of the call including General Consumption Tax.
Therefore, a system should be implemented to ensure that, on receipt of each
telephone bill from the service provider, employees are called upon to identify and
pay the associated charges relating to all private calls.
(ii) The cost must be recovered by payment to the cashier by the end of the month
following the billing period. In the event that an employee fails to make payment in
the time stipulated this information must be forwarded to the Accounts Department
(payroll section) for recovery through a “one-time” salary deduction.

9.11.4 Collect Calls


(i) Public officers must not accept collect calls for business or personal purposes in the
absence of prior written approval by the Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or
Chief Executive Officer.

9.11.5 Overseas Calls


(i) Public officers who wish to make private overseas calls should first obtain the
permission of their respective department heads. This should be clearly recorded in a
toll call register before the call is put through.

9.11.6 Private Lines


(i) The assignment of private lines (straight lines) to certain employees must not be
viewed as a right or benefit attached to a job or position.
(ii) Private lines may only be assigned in instances where it can be demonstrated that
assigning this line to an employee will be to the benefit of the organization concerned.
(iii) The Permanent Secretary, Head of Department or Chief Executive officer must
authorize the assignment of private line.

9.12 Use of Government Mobile Telephones

9.12.1 Assignment of Mobile Telephones


(i) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers, Chairmen of Board of Directors or
Heads of Departments may assign mobile telephones to the public officials where the
nature of their duties require them to be accessible at all times and the use of the

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mobile telephone is critical for the effectiveness of performance of their official
duties.
(ii) All assigned mobile phones to the public officers must be part of a Closed User Group
(CUG) plan where such a plan is feasible.
(iii) The Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Chief Executive Officers or
Chairmen of Board of Directors may determine the type of devices and services to be
assigned to the public officers.
(iv) The assignment of mobile phones and services must be determined based on the
following:
(a) It is absolutely necessary for the effective execution of his/her duties.
(b) The service is cost effective and funds are available for its use.
(v) The Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer or Chairmen of Board of Directors
will determine which public officer(s) should be assigned pre-paid or post-paid
mobile phones within the CUG plan. The assignment of phones shall be determined
solely on the basis of the nature of the service required and job functions.
(vi) The number of phones, types of phones and services required under the CUG plan
must be within the limit of the approved budgetary allocation for the service.
(vii) A public official shall be assigned only one mobile telephone at any given time and
shall not be assigned any other mobile communication device, for example radio and
pager, unless special approval is given by the Financial Secretary or by the Board in
the case of a public body.
(viii) Consultants and advisors maybe assigned a mobile telephone depending on the nature
of their duties and provided that their contract is for a period of not less than one (1)
year.
(ix) Assigned mobile telephones are the property of the Government of Jamaica and
maybe retrieved from the assignee at any time based on the directive of the
Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Head of Department and Board
Chairman in the case of a Public Body.

9.12.2 Procurement of CUG


(i) The procurement of CUG mobile telephone service must be done on a competitive
basis (i.e. a comparison of plans from various mobile providers). All rules of the
procurement guidelines must be strictly adhere to.
(ii) All contacts for the CUGs and other mobile telephone services must be approved by
Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers, Board Chairmen or Heads of
Departments as the case maybe and shall be dealt with and reported on in a similar
manner to other contracts for service.

9.12.3 Control of Mobile Telephones


(i) Pre-set monthly limits for calls outside of the CUG plan must be established for all
Government mobile telephones for both official calls and data services. The pre-set
limit must be determined based on an estimate of the average telephone usage of the
assignee and based on the approved budgetary control limit for overall telephone
services.

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(ii) The pre-set telephone limits must be approved by the Accounting Officer, Chief
Executive Officer, Board Chairman or Head of Department and, must not exceed the
maximum stipulated in Appendix 11.
(iii) Where there are justifiable reasons for officers to be allocated pre-set telephone limits
over the maximum stipulated amount, the prior approval of the Financial Secretary
must be obtained.
(iv) Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers, Board Chairmen or Heads of
Departments must ensure that a register is maintained of all mobile telephones owned
or under the control of their ministry, agency or public body.
(v) The Mobile Telephone Register must have at minimum the information shown at
Appendix 18.
(vi) The ‘Remarks’ column of the Register must be used for making notation in respect of:
(a) Damage to Mobile Telephone
(b) Loss of Mobile Telephone
(c) Service and repairs to Mobile Telephone
(d) Return and Transfer of Mobile Telephone
(vii) Where private calls are made from an assigned telephone, the assignee must indicate
such calls and promptly pay the amount charged including the requisite General
Consumption Tax to the ministry, department, agency or public body.
(viii) Where a CUG mobile telephone not owned by Government is lost, stolen or damaged
this must be promptly reported to the assigned officer responsible for CUG phones in
the ministries, departments or agencies who must formally report this matter promptly
to the service provider.
(ix) Where a Government owned mobile phone is lost, stolen or damaged this must be
promptly reported to the Auditor-General and the Ministry of Finance. In the case of
public bodies the report must be made to the Board of Directors.
(x) Where a CUG mobile telephone or any other mobile phones is lost or damaged due to
the negligence of the assignee, the value of the mobile telephone at the time of the
loss or the repair cost must be recovered from the assignee.
(xi) Assigned mobile telephones must be returned by officers to the respective ministry
department, agency or public body upon:-
(a) Resignation;
(b) Dismissal;
(c) interdiction or suspension for a period exceeding 60 calendar days;
(d) retirement;
(e) embarking on study leave, vacation leave, and any other leave exceeding a period
of ninety (90) calendar days; or
(f) secondment or transfer to another public sector entity
(xii) Assigned mobile telephones should not be replaced before the end of the contract
period unless the instrument becomes defective or the officer has been re-assigned to
a position that necessities the use of a more advanced instrument.

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9.12.4 Disposal of CUG
(i) Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, Chairman of Board of Directors and
Heads of Departments must establish a committee for the proper management of the
disposal of the mobile phones and SIM cards.
(ii) At the end of the CUG contractual period or the termination of the contract, the CUG
hand set devices maybe sold to officers to whom such devices were assigned at scrap
value as determine by the committee.
(iii) Ministries, Departments or Agencies must lodge all funds received from the disposal
of mobile phones to the Accountant General for Miscellaneous Revenue. Public
Bodies may determine the appropriate use of the funds received from disposal of the
phones.

9.13 Use of Government Laptop Computers

9.13.1 Purchase of Laptops


(i) The procurement of laptops must be done in accordance with the GoJ procurement
guidelines.
(ii) Laptops must be purchased entirely on the basis of need, demonstrated by one or
more of the following reasons:-
(a) For assignment to officers whose job involve working off-site in the collection
and retrieval of information or data;
(b) For the conduct of training, demonstration, experiment, testing, surveillance, audit
and other operations where a desktop computer is inappropriate; and
(c) For assignment where necessary to consultants, contract officers, auditors,
revenue agents, investigators, attorneys, medical doctors and senior executives
and professionals whose job require the use of a mobile computer.
(iii) The specifications for laptops must match the basic needs of the job(s) for which they
are to be used. Unnecessary features or add-ons must not be included in the
specification thus ensuring greater economy.
(iv) No approval must be given for the purchase of a single laptop exceeding a sum
equivalent to US$ 3,000 without justification provided and accepted by the entity’s
Procurement Committee.
(v) Laptops acquired must immediately be recorded in the inventory of the ministry,
department, agency or public body.

9.13.2 Assignment of Laptops


(i) The assignment of laptops to officers for any duration must be authorized by the
Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Board Chairman, Head of Department
or by any officer delegated such authority.
(ii) Laptop assignee should not be provided with the laptop’s administrator password, but
should be assigned a user login and allowed to set his/her password.
(iii) Upon the assignment of a laptop, the assignment form must be completed and signed
in duplicate. The original must be given to the assignee and the duplicate properly

169
filed. Assignment forms must be completed for all officers including those already in
possession of a Government laptop. The assignment period must not exceed the
assignee’s contract or consultancy period.
(iv) An officer must not be assigned more than one (1) laptop at any given time. Where a
new laptop is being assigned the existing one must be returned.
(v) Officers may be assigned laptops for use while on official duties overseas.
(vi) Laptops must be returned immediately upon the assignee’s resignation, retirement,
dismissal, secondment, interdiction, vacation leave or study leave or upon any other
form of separation from the job.
(vii) Unassigned laptops including laptops returned from assignment must be kept in a safe
place by the officer designated with the responsibility for their custody.
(viii) Assigned laptops are the property of Government and may be taken from the assignee
at any time for any reason based on the directive of the Accounting Officer, Principal
Receiver of Revenues, Chief Executive Officer, Board Chairman or Head of
Department.

9.13.3 Maintenance of Laptop Assignment Register


(i) Ministries, Department, Agencies (MDAs) and Public Bodies must maintain a Laptop
Register to track the assignment of laptops. An example of the format of the Register
is shown at Appendices19 and 20.
(ii) The remarks column of the Register must be used for indicating the condition of the
Laptop and its peripheral device/hardware and other items upon its return from
assignment.
(iii) The officer designated for the maintenance of the Laptop Assignment Register shall
be responsible for reporting immediately to the designated officer the following:
(a) Laptops not returned from the specified date for return;
(b) Laptops returned with damage or defects; and
(c) Laptops returned with missing parts or missing peripheral devices.
(iv) The Laptop Assignment Register should be checked periodically by the Internal Audit
Department.

9.13.4 Physical Care of Laptops


(i) To ensure proper security, optimum performance and longevity of laptops, public
officers must ensure that the laptop assigned is:
(a) Never left in vehicles or in open offices unattended for any period of time;
(b) Not exposed to water, excessive heat or other hazards;
(c) Not loaned to any person; and
(d) Used only for performance of their official duties.

9.13.5 Repairs to Laptops


(i) Laptop assignees must not without prior authorization give the laptop out for repairs
or to do the repairs themselves.
(ii) The terms and conditions of the warranty on laptops must be noted, taken advantage
of and not jeopardised by conducting unauthorized repairs or through improper use.

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(iii) MDAs and public bodies must ensure that/servicing/maintenance is done on all
assigned laptops at least once every three (3) months. A log must be maintained in
this regard

9.13.6 Licensed Software-Laptops


(i) Laptops must be loaded only with licensed software thereby preventing the
Government from being in breach of local and international copyright laws.

9.13.7 Loss or Damage to Laptops


(i) Loss or damage to laptop must be promptly reported to the Auditor-General and the
Ministry of Finance. The report must state the following:-
(a) The serial number of the laptop;
(b) The date of the loss or damage;
(c) Whether the loss or damage was due to negligence on the part of the laptop’s
assignee; and
(d) The action which is recommended to be taken in respect of the loss or damage.
(ii) Where a laptop is stolen, it is the duty of the Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive
Officer, Board Chairman or Head of Department concerned to make a report to the
Police forthwith.

9.13.8 Board of Survey -Laptops


(iii) Laptops that are unserviceable must be reported to the Ministry of Finance for
approval to be board surveyed and disposed of. In respect of public bodies this must
be done by their local Board of Survey.

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10 CASH-BASED IPSAS

10.1 The Enabling Legal and Regulatory Framework

I. Constitution of Jamaica

Chapter VIII Finance:


Section 116: covers the need for Annual Estimates but does not prescribe the format.
II. Finance Administration and Audit (FAA) Act, 1959 as amended 2015
Part II Payments into Consolidated Fund
Article 8A Direction re Fees: makes reference to “appropriation-in-aid”. As is indicated
below, the Regulation on this topic, together with its definition, have been deleted from the
Financial Management Regulations (2011, as amended 2015).The relationship between
“appropriation-in-aid” and the requirements of the Cash-based IPSAS needed clarification.
Part III Government Accounts
Article 24A Government Accounts: gives the Minister the power to ensure that the
accounting requirements of Cash-based IPSAS can be covered by issuing appropriate
directions and regulations.
Article 24B (1) Basis of Accounts: gives the Minister the power to prescribe the use of Cash-
based IPSAS for the annual financial statements.
Article 24D External Loan Accounts: the Cash-based IPSAS is prescriptive as to how
foreign currency amounts are to be converted into national currency. The Financial Secretary
must issue directives/regulations to this effect.
Article 24F Financial Instructions: this article enables the Financial Secretary to issue
appropriate Financial Instructions, if required, for the operation of Cash-based IPSAS.
Article 24G Annual Statement:
This article requires the Minister to lay the following statements on the Table of the House of
Representatives:
“(a) the Statement of Receipts and Paymentsin respect of the Consolidated Fund
Principle Bank Account;
(b) a Statement of Assets and Liabilitiesof the Consolidated Fund showing balances
in respect of current assets and liabilities;
(c) a Summary of the Transactionsof the Consolidated Fund Principal Bank
Account as compared to budget forecasts; and
(d) aStatement of Revenue and Expenditureof the Consolidated Fund Principal
Bank Account as compared with the original and revised budget forecasts.”
Article 24H Finance Accounts:
This article required the Accountant-General to prepare, sign and submit to the Auditor-
General a range of statements including:
“(a) Current Assets and Liabilities of the Consolidated Fund.”

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For the reason stated in the previous section this will no longer be possible and the sub-
paragraph should be repealed from the Act.
III. Financial Management Regulations (FMR) 2011, as amended 2015
Regulation 5(sub-sections (3) to (5): Consolidated Fund Books of Account.
Regulation 64: indicates that if the Financial Secretary directs that an accruals based system
be used it should be in accordance with IPSAS or IFRS
Regulation 65(3): indicates that “the accounts of Government shall be complete, relevant
and current in accordance with the standards and guidelines prescribed by the Financial
Secretary.” This could be improved by indicating that the accounts must follow the
requirements of IPSAS – whether cash or accruals based.
Regulation 68: indicates that the Financial Secretary shall prescribe guidelines for the
preparation and presentation of reports.
Regulation 74(2): allows the Financial Secretary to issue instructions with regards the
correction of errors in the accounts.

10.2 Scope of Instruction10


(i) This Instruction is applicable to Ministries and Departments only. Executive Agencies
and Public Bodies and Public Bodies shall be excluded.

10.3 Definitions – Cash IPSAS


(i) The following terms are used in the application of Cash Basis IPSAS Standard with the
meanings specified:

“Accounting Basis”- This is the cash basis of accounting as defined in the accrual basis
International Public Sector Accounting Standards and the Cash Basis International Public Sector
Accounting Standard.

“Annual Budget”- This means an approved budget for one year. It does not include published
forward estimates or projections for periods beyond the budget period.

“Appropriation”- This is an authorization granted by a legislative body to allocate funds for


purposes specified by the legislature or similar authority.

“Approved Budget”This meansthe expenditure authority derived from laws, appropriation bills,
government ordinances and other decisions related to the anticipated revenue or receipts for the
budgetary period.

“Budgetary Basis”- This is the accrual, cash or other basis of accounting adopted in the budget
that has been approved by legislation.

“Cash Basis IPSAS”- The International Public Sector Accounting Standard in which cash
comprises; cash on hand, demand deposits and cash equivalents. Cash basis means a basis of
accounting that recognizes transactions and other events only when cash is received or paid.

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“Cash Equivalent”- Are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

“Cash Flows”- Cash flows are inflows and outflows of cash.

“Cash Payments”- Cash payments are cash outflows.

“Cash Receipts”- Cash receipts are cash inflows.

“Closing Rate”- Thisis the spot exchange rate at the reporting date.

“Comparable Basis”- Means the actual amounts presented on the same accounting basis, same
classification basis, for the same entities and for the same period as the approved budget.

“Control of Cash”- Control of cash arises when the Ministry, Department and Agency can use
or otherwise benefit from the cash in pursuit of its objectives and can exclude or regulate the
access of others to that benefit. Monies lodged to the Bank Accounts under the control of the
MDAs are regarded as cash controlled by the entities.

“Consolidated Financial Statements”- Consolidated financial statements are the financial


statements of the all the Ministries Departments and Agencies using the Central Treasury
Management Services presented as that of a single Ministry, Department or Agency. This
statement is prepared by the Accountant General who is deemed the Chief Financial Officer of
the Government of Jamaica.

“Control of a Ministry, Department or Agency”- This is the power to govern the financial and
operating policies of a Ministry, Department or Agency so as to benefit from its activities.

“Controlled Ministry, Department and Agency”- This is a Ministry, Department or Agency that
is under the control of another Ministry, Department or Agency (known as the controlling
Ministry, Department or Agency).

“Controlling Ministry, Department or Agency”- This is a Ministry, Department or Agency that


has one or more controlled entities.

“Economic Entity (Government of Jamaica as a whole)”- Means the Government of Jamaica


as a group comprising a Ministry, Department and Agency (controlling entities) and one or more
controlled entities.

“Exchange Difference”- This is the difference resulting from reporting the same number of
units of a foreign currency in the reporting currency at different exchange rates.

“Exchange Rate” - is the ratio for exchange of two currencies.

“Final Budget”- Original budget adjusted for all reserves, carry over amounts, transfers,
allocations, supplemental appropriations, and other authorized legislative or similar authority,
changes applicable to the budget period.

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“Foreign currency”- This means a currency other than the reporting currency of a Ministry,
Department or Agency.

“Government Business Enterprise (Cash Basis IPSAS)”- Means a Public Body that has all the
following characteristics:

(a) The power to contract in its own name;


(b) Has been assigned the financial and operational authority to carry on a business;
(c) Sells goods and services, in the normal course of its business, to other entities at a profit
or full cost recovery;
(d) Is not reliant on continuing government funding to be a going concern (other than
purchases of outputs at arm’s length); and
(e) Is controlled by a public sector Ministry, Department or Agency.

“Materiality (Cash IPSAS)”- Information is material if its omission or misstatement could


influence the decisions or assessments of users made on the basis of the financial statements.
Materiality depends on the nature or size of the item(s)/error(s) judged in the particular
circumstances of omission or misstatement.

“Multi-year Budget”- An approved budget for more than one year. It does not include published
forward estimates or projections for periods beyond the budget period.

“Original Budget”- Initial approved budget for the budget period.

“Reporting currency”This is the currency used in presenting the financial statements.

“Reporting Date (Cash Basis IPSAS)”- The reporting date is the date of the last day of the
reporting period to which financial statements relate.

10.4 Relevant Cash Basis IPSAS Concepts


“Cash Basis”: The cash basis of accounting recognises transactions and events only when cash
is received or paid by the MDAs. Cash movements between items within the MDAs do not form
part of cash flow. Financial statements prepared under the cash basis provide readers with
information about the sources of cash, purposes for which the cash was used and the cash
balances at the reporting date.

“Cash Equivalent”: Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash, with minimum risk. Cash equivalents are held for the
purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments.

“Cash Controlled by the Reporting Entity”:


 Cash is controlled by an entity when it can use the cash to achieve its own objectives and
exclude or regulate the access of others to its use.
 Cash is controlled by the MDAs when it is held in a bank account under the control of
the entity and the sources of those funds are external to the Consolidated Fund:
o Project Funds Bank Accounts
o Deposits Bank Accounts

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 Funds that are expended on behalf of the MDAs from the Central Payment Account to
fund their operating objectives are not under the control of the MDAs.
 Miscellaneous revenue that is deposited directly in the bank account of the Accountant
General’s Department is not under the control of the MDAs.

10.4 Requirements of the Cash Basis IPSAS


(i) This IPSAS standard requires the presentation of information about the changes in cash
and cash equivalents of an entity by means of the Statement of Cash Receipts and
Payments in the format that is required by IPSAS 2, Cash Flow Statement .This
statement classifies cash flows during the period by operating, investing and financing
activities.
(ii) The cash flow statement identifies the sources of cash inflows, the items on which cash
was expended during the reporting period, and the cash and cash equivalents as at the
reporting date.
(iii) The cash flow statement is intended to provide users of financial statements with
information for both accountability and decision-making purposes. Cash flow
information allows users to understand how a public sector entity raised the cash it
required to fund its business and administrative operations.

10.5 Cash Based IPSAS Financial Statements

10.5.1 General Purpose Financial Statements


(i) MDAs shall prepare and present General Purpose Financial Statements (GPFS) which
include the following components:
(a) Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments:
a. Recognises all cash receipts and cash payments during the period and cash
balances controlled by the entity on the reporting date; and
b. Separately identifies payments made by third parties on behalf of the entity.
(b) Accounting Policies and Explanatory Notes
(c) Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts

10.5.2 Information to be presented in the Statement of Cash Receipts and


Payments
(i) Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments should present the following amounts for the
reporting period:
(a) Total Cash Receiptsof the MDAs and consolidated government showing separately a
sub-classification of total cash receipts as shown in Appendices 1&3
(b) Total Cash Payments of the MDAs and consolidated government showing separately
a sub-classification of total cash payments as shown in Appendices 1&3
(c) Beginning and Closing Cash Balances of the MDAs and consolidated government.
(ii) Total cash receipts and total cash payments, for each sub-classification should be
reported on a gross basis.
(a) In exceptional circumstances the cash receipts and cash payments maybe reported on
a net basis. For example:
(b) Taxes collected by one tier of government on behalf of another and then transferred;
(c) The acceptance and repayment of short term cash deposits within a period placed
with a financial institution;

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(d) Funds administer on behalf of another government department to be transferred to
third parties; and
(e) Short term borrowings or lending having maturity less than 3 months. Report net of
interest received and any associated costs.

10.5.3 Format of the Statement Cash Receipts and Payments


(i) The statement of receipts and payments shall be prepared in the format set out in
Appendices 1& 3 for the MDAs and the Consolidated Government. The headings and
totals shown in these prescribed formats should be used, although additional line items
and headings may be used to ensure that the statement reflects a fair representation of the
MDAs financial affairs. Additional line items may also be used to represent fairly the
consolidated position of all the entities operating under the Central Treasury
Management System (CTMS).
(ii) The cash flow statement shall have three main categories of line items: Operating,
Investing and Financing activities.
(iii) The Cash Flow Statement shall generally have the following line items:
(a) Total receipts from operating activities;
(b) Total payments on operating activities;
(c) Net cash flow from operating activities;
(d) Net cash flow from investing activities;
(e) Net cash flow from financing activities;
(f) Beginning and closing cash balances; and
(g) Net increase or decrease in cash.
(iv) The amounts for receipts, payments and balances shall be separated as follows:
(a) Central Payment Account
(b) Receipts/Payments controlled by the MDA
(c) Third Party Payments
(v) The column “Central Payment Account” represents all receipts and payments made by
the Accountant General’s Department on behalf of the MDAs.
(vi) The column “Receipts/Payments Controlled by the MDAs” represents all receipts and
payments under the control of the individual MDAs such as the receipts and payments
for the “Deposit Accounts”.
(vii) The column “Third Party Payments” represents all receipts and payments made by
external third parties on behalf of the MDAs.

10.5.4 Consolidated Statement of Receipts and Payments


(i) The receipts, payments and balances are grouped into two main columns for the
Consolidated Statement of Receipts and Payments:

(a) Receipts/Payments Controlled by the Government


(b) Third Party Payments made on behalf of the Government

(ii) The column for “Receipts/Payment Controlled by the Government” represents all the
receipts and payments under the control of the Government of Jamaica.
(iii) The column for “Third Party Payments” represents all receipts and payments made by
external third parties on behalf of the Government of Jamaica.

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10.5.5 Operating Activities
(i) Operating activities are activities derived primarily from the following:
(a) Cash receipts from taxation;
(b) Cash receipts that are non-taxation (fees and other fines);
(c) Cash receipts from warrant allocations;
(d) Cash receipts from aid and technical assistance received from the Multilateral and
Bilateral entities;
(e) Cash receipts in deposit accounts operated by the MDAs and Treasury deposits
operated by the AGDs Treasury department;
(f) Cash payments for salaries and employee benefits;
(g) Cash payments for goods and services;
(h) Cash payments for grants, contributions and subsidies;
(i) Cash payments for loan interest and expenses;
(j) Other cash payments; and
(k) Transfers to other parties such as the Accountant General.
10.5.6 Investing Activities
(i) Investing activities are the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and other
investments. Cash flows from investing activities are derived primarily from:
(a) Cash payments for the purchase of non-financial assets
(b) Cash receipts for the sale of non-financial assets
(c) Cash payments for purchase of financial assets
(d) Cash receipts for the sale of financial assets

10.5.7 Financing Activities


(i) Financing activities cover the receipts and repayments of borrowings from different
sources. The cash flows from financing activities are primarily derived from:
(a) Receipt of Foreign Debt
(b) Receipt of Domestic Debt
(c) Issue of Treasury Bills and Bonds
(d) Repayment of Loans
(e) Redemption of Treasury Bills and Bonds

10.6 Receipts and Payments for Capital B Projects


(i) The projects unit in each MDA should maintain a record of all receipts and expenditure
on Capital B projects during the reporting period. This must include all funding received
by way of loans and grants per project from External Agencies and the Government of
Jamaica.
(ii) The total expenditure by objects per project, the opening and closing balances and total
receipts and payments on the Special Accounts must be recorded.

(iii) Loans and grants are usually received in foreign currency and as such opening and
closing balances must be converted at the local exchange rate as at the date of reporting.
(iv) Transactions throughout the year must be converted at the local rate at the date of the
transactions.

10.7 Departmental Advances re IPSAS


(i) Advances represent actual cash payments made and as such must be included on the face
of the statement of receipts and payments.

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(ii) On a monthly basis supporting documents should be obtained to clear all advances.
Advances that remain outstanding at the end of the accounting period must be included in
the line item “Other Payments” in the operating activities segment of the statement of
receipts and payments. Disclosure of the total advance amount and the purpose should
also be made in the notes to the financial statement.

10.8 Payments by Third Parties on Behalf of the Ministry, Department or


Agency
(i) Third party payments are to be treated as direct payments where, during a reporting
period, a third party directly settles the obligations of a MDA or purchases goods and
services for the benefit of the MDA.
(ii) MDA shall disclose in separate columns on the face of the Statement of Cash Receipts
and Payments the following:
(a) Total payments made by the Accountant General’s Department on behalf of the
MDA. These payments shall be recorded in the column entitled Treasury Single
Account, showing separately a sub-classification of the sources and uses of total
payments.
(b) Total payments made by external donors/lenders (local or international) on behalf of
MDAs. These payments shall be recorded in the column entitled Third Party
Payments, showing separately a sub-classification of the sources and uses of total
payments.
(c) Such disclosure should only be made when during the reporting period the MDA has
been formally advised by the third party or the recipient that such payment has been
made or has otherwise verified the payment.

10.9 Cash IPSAS - Accounting Policies and Explanatory Notes


(i) The notes to the financial statements of a MDA and the consolidated government shall:
(a) Present information about the basis of preparation of the financial statements;
(b) Present specific accounting policies selected and applied for significant transactions
and other events; and
(c) Provide additional information which is not presented on the face of the financial
statements, but is necessary for a fair presentation of the MDA and the Consolidated
Government’s cash receipts, cash payments and cash balances.
(ii) Notes to the financial statements shall be presented in a systematic manner. Each item on
the face of the statement of cash receipts and payments and other financial statements
should be cross referenced to any related information in the notes. The notes will be
prepared in the format set out in Appendices 2&4.

10.10 Selection and Disclosure of Accounting Policies


(i) General Purpose Financial Statements should present information that is:
(a) Understandable;
(b) Relevant to the decision-making and accountability needs of users;
(c) Timely and
(d) Reliable in that it:
1. Represents faithfully the cash receipts, cash payments and cash balances of the
Ministry, Department and Agency and the Consolidated Government and the
other information disclose;
2. Is neutral, that is, free from bias; and
3. Is complete in all material respects.

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(ii) The Accounting Policies section of the notes to the financial statements should describe
each specific accounting policy that is necessary for a proper understanding of the
financial statements, including the extent to which the Ministry, Department or Agency
and the consolidated government has applied any transitional provisions in the Standard.
(iii) Inappropriate accounting treatments are not rectified either by disclosure of the
accounting policies used, or by notes or explanatory material.

10.11 General Conditions of Annual Financial Statement


(i) Reporting Period The general purpose financial statements should be presented
annually for the MDAs and the consolidated government. The reporting date is the date
of the last day of the reporting period to which the accounts refer.
(ii) Timeliness
Submission of annual financial statements must be done within the specified period of
four (4) months from the end of the financial year.
(iii) Authorization Date
The Accounting Officer shall authorize and date the annual financial statements. The
authorization date shall be the date the Auditor-General certifies the financial statements.
(iv) The Accountant General shall authorize and date the annual consolidated financial
statements. The authorization date shall be the date the Auditor-General certifies the
financial statements.
(v) Disclosure shall be made that the Financial Secretary has the power to amend the
published financial statements, thereafter it will become another financial statement.

10.12 Information about the MDA and Consolidated Government


(i) The MDA and the Consolidated Government shall disclose the following information in
the financial statements:
(a) The domicile and legal form of the entity and the jurisdiction within which it
operates;
(b) A description of the nature of the MDA’s operations and principal activities;
(c) A reference to the relevant legislation governing the MDA’s operations, if any.
(ii) Restrictions on Cash Balances and Access to Borrowings
(iii) A MDA and the Consolidated Government should disclose in the Notes to the Financial
Statements together with a commentary, the nature and amount of:
(a) Significant cash balances that are not available for use by the entity;
(b) Significant cash balances that are subject to external restrictions; and
(c) Undrawn borrowing facilities that may be available for future operating activities and
to settle capital commitments, indicating any restrictions on the use of these facilities
(See Appendices2 and 4).
(iv) Cash held by the MDA for other parties but not yet transferred to those parties must be
disclosed. If the government holds unspent cash balance from any conditional grant for
specific purpose, the information must be disclosed.
(v) Unspent amounts in bank accounts for a protracted period which are to be returned to the
donor should be reflected as notes to the financial statements along with explanations for
under-expenditure.

10.13 Consistency of Presentation


(i) The presentation and classification of items in the Financial Statements should be
retained from one period to the next unless:

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(a) A significant change in the nature of the operations of the MDA or a review of its
financial statements presentation demonstrates that the change will result in a more
appropriate presentation of events or transactions; or
(b) If it is impracticable to reclassify comparative amounts, the reason should be
disclosed e.g. major restructuring of service delivery arrangements; the creation of a
new, or termination of a major existing, government MDA; a significant acquisition
or disposal.

10.14 Comparative Information


(i) Comparative information should be disclosed in respect of the previous period for all
numerical information, except in respect of the financial statements for the first period to
which the Standard was first adopted.
(ii) Comparative information should be included in narratives and descriptive information
when it is relevant to an understanding of the current period’s financial statements. For
example, unresolved legal disputes and notes of previous financial statement.
(iii) When there is an amendment to the classification in the financial statement, the
comparative amount should be reclassified unless it is impracticable to do so. When it is
impracticable to reclassify the comparative amounts, the reason for not reclassifying and
the nature of the changes for not reclassifying should be disclosed in the notes to the
financial statements.

10.15 Identification of Financial Statements


(i) The financial statements should be clearly identified and distinguished. Each component
of the financial statements should be clearly identified. Additional information to be
clearly stated and repeated when necessary are:
(a) The name of the reporting MDA;
(b) The reporting date;
(c) The reporting currency; and
(d) The level of precision used in the presentation of figures (thousands/millions).

10.16 Correction of Errors


(i) When an error arises in relation to a cash balance reported in the financial statements, the
amount of the error that relates to prior periods should be reported by adjusting the cash
at the beginning of the period. Comparative information should be restated, unless it is
impracticable to do so.
(ii) The entity should disclose in the notes to the financial statements the following:
(a) The nature of the error;
(b) The amount of the correction; and
(c) The fact that comparative information has been restated or that it is impracticable so
to do.

10.17 Consolidated Financial Statements


(i) The consolidated financial statements of the MDAs operating under the Central Treasury
Management System will be presented as that of a single entity by the Accountant
General.
(ii) The notes and disclosures of the statement of cash receipts and payments will be
presented on a consolidated basis.

181
10.18 Consolidation Procedures
(i) Cash balances and cash transactions between entities within the Government as a whole
should be eliminated in full.
(ii) Consolidated financial statements should only reflect transactions between the
Government of Jamaica and other entities external to it. For example, when one
government department sells an asset to another government department, the net cash
effect on the whole of government is zero. Hence, this transaction needs to be eliminated
to avoid overstating the cash receipts and cash payments of the whole of government.
(iii) Each government department is required to keep a record of all cash transactions
between themselves in order to eliminate these amounts when the statements are being
prepared. They are eliminated by reducing the receipts and payments by the amounts
received from and paid to one government by another government department.

10.19 Consolidation Disclosures


(i) The following disclosures should be made in the consolidated financial statements:
(a) A listing of the name and jurisdiction of significant controlled entities; and
(b) Applying the transitional provision if all transactions between entities have not
been eliminated.

10.20 Treatment of Foreign Currency Cash Receipts, Payments and Balances


(i) Cash receipts and payments arising from transactions in a foreign currency should be
recorded in Jamaican Dollars. These transactions shall be converted at the exchange rate
at the date of the receipts and payments. Cash balances held in a foreign currency should
be reported using the closing rate which is the BOJ weighted average rate.
(ii) The cash receipts and cash payments of overseas entities controlled by the ministries
should be translated at the exchange rate at the dates of the receipts and payments of
these overseas entities.
(iii) Unrealised gains and losses arising from differences between the opening and closing
balances are not cash receipts and payments but must be included in the statement in
order to reconcile the opening and closing cash balances.

10.21 Calculating the Unrealized Gains or Losses


(i) A foreign currency account cash book shall be maintained throughout the reporting
period. The cash book must record all foreign currency account receipts and payments,
the rate of exchange and the resulting Jamaican equivalent. The unrealized gains or
losses are calculated as follows:
(a) Convert the cash balance held in foreign currency at the end of the reporting period by
using the closing rate. The closing rate is the BoJ weighted average rate at the
reporting date;
(b) Less the JMD equivalent cash balance in the Foreign Currency Account cash book.
(c) The unrealized gains and losses are the difference between (a) and (b) above.
(ii) If the exchange difference is a loss, it should be entered in the cash flow statement as line
item “Unrealized Exchange Difference – Loss”. If the exchange difference is a gain, it
should be entered in the cash flow statement as line item “Unrealized Exchange
Difference – Gain” (See Appendix 5).

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10.22 Budget Information in Financial Statements

10.22.1 Presentation of a Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts


(i) The Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts in the General Purpose
Financial Statements shall be prepared by each MDA. The AGD shall prepare the
consolidated statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts (see Appendix 6).

10.23 Changes from Original to Final Budget


(i) The MDA and consolidated government shall present an explanation of whether changes
between the original and final budget are as a consequence of reallocations within the
budget, or of other factors.
(ii) Where there are material differences between the budget and actual amount these must
be disclosed in the Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts.

10.24 Recipients of External Assistance

10.24.1 External Assistance Received


(i) External assistance are all loans, grants, technical assistance, guarantees or other
assistance provided or committed under a binding agreement by multilateral or bilateral
agencies or by a government, or agencies of a government of foreign country.
(ii) Assistance provided by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) shall not be classified
as External Assistance.
(iii) External assistance payment may be in the form of:
(a) Payment to the MDA or consolidated government in full or in tranches as loan or
grant;
(b) Reimbursement to the MDA or consolidated government for payment to third party as
per Terms & Conditions of Agreement;
(c) Payment to third party directly by external assistance agency on clearance from MDA
or consolidated government; and
(d) Goods and service in kind.

10.24.2 External Assistance Disclosure


(i) The MDA and consolidated government should disclose separately, on the face of the
Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments, total external assistance received in cash
during the period whether received directly or by third party payments.
(ii) Where external assistance is received from more than one provider, the significant
classes of providers of assistance should be disclosed separately, on the face of the
Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments.
(iii) Where external assistance is received in the form of loans and grants, the total amount
received during the period as loans and the total amount received as grants should be
shown separately, on the face of the Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments.

183
10.24.3 External Assistance to Central Government on behalf of lower tiers of
Governments
(i) When Central Government enters into external assistance agreements, Central
Government may relend or assign the funds to another public body through a similar
agreement. Central Government will recognise receipt and payment under appropriate
classification.

10.24.4 Undrawn External Assistance


(i) The MDA and consolidated government should disclose in the Notes to the Financial
Statements the balance of undrawn external assistance loans and grants available at
reporting date to fund future operations. This must be done when the amount of the loans
or grants available to the recipient is specified in a binding agreement and the satisfaction
of any substantial terms and conditions that determine, or affect access to, that amount is
highly likely.
(ii) The disclosure should show separately in the reporting currency the :

(a) Total external assistance loans; and


(b) Total external assistance grants.
(iii) Significant terms and conditions that determine, or affect access to, the amount of the
undrawn assistance should also be disclosed.

10.24.5 Receipt of Goods or Services


(i) The MDA and consolidated government shall disclose the value of external assistance
received in the form of goods or services. It shall disclose in the Notes to the Financial
Statements the basis on which that value is determined.

10.24.6 Disclosure of Debt Rescheduled or Cancelled


(i) The MDA and consolidated government should disclose in the Notes to the Financial
Statements the amount of external assistance debt rescheduled or cancelled during the
period, together with any related terms and conditions.

10.24.7 Disclosure of Non-compliance with Significant Terms and Conditions


(i) The MDA and consolidated government should disclose, in the notes to the financial
statements significant terms and conditions of external assistance loan or grant
agreements or guarantees that have not been complied which resulted in cancellation of
the assistance or has given rise to an obligation to return assistance previously provided.
(ii) The amount of external assistance cancelled or to be returned should also be disclosed.

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APPENDICES

185
Appendix 1- Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments for MDAs
Name of MDA
Annual Cash Flow Statement for the period ending 31st March 2015
2014/15 2013/14
Central Receipt/Payment Payment Central Receipt/Payment Payment by
Notes Payment Controlled by by Third Payment Controlled by Third
Account Entity parties Account Entity parties
CASH FLOWS
FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
$'000' $'000' $'000' $'000' $'000' $'000'
Non Tax Revenue
Fees 0
Other 4 0 123,456
Warrant Allocations 3 75,141,234 0 0 0 0 0
Appropriations-in-
Aid 3 410,642 0 0 0 0 0
External Assistance
Multilateral Grants
and Technical
Assistance 5 242,950 0 0 0 0 0
Bilateral Agencies
Grants and Technical
Assistance 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Grants and
Aid 0 0 0 0 0 0
Deposit Receipts 8 0 129,077 0 0 100,000 0
Total Receipts 75,794,825 252,533 0 0 100,000
Cash Payment from
Operating Activities
Salaries and 62,167,924 0 0 2,268,826 0 0

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Name of MDA
Annual Cash Flow Statement for the period ending 31st March 2015
2014/15 2013/14
Central Receipt/Payment Payment Central Receipt/Payment Payment by
Notes Payment Controlled by by Third Payment Controlled by Third
Account Entity parties Account Entity parties
Employee benefits
Payment for goods
and Services 2,620,365 0 57,463 1,413,272 0 0
Grants, Contributions
& Subsidies 8,666,147 0 0 80,539,593 0 0
Loan Interest and
Expenses 0 0 0 0 0 0
Retirement Benefits 79,717 0 0 0 0 0
Other Payments 7,086,770 0 0 147,752 0 0
Deposit Payments 8 0 22,006 0 0 0 0
Revenue Transfers 4 0 123,456 0 0 0 0
Total Payments 80,620,923 145,462 57,463 84,369,443 0 0
Net Cash Inflow
From Operating
Activities -4,826,098 107,071 -57,463 -84,369,443 100,000 0

CASH FLOWS
FROM
INVESTMENTS
Purchase/Sale of
Non-Financial Assets 673,542 0 134,177 168,524 0 0
Purchase/Sale of
Financial Assets 0 0 0 0
Net Cash out/inflow
from Investments -673,542 0 -134,177 -168,524 0
CASH
SURPLUS/DEFICIT -5,499,639 107,071 -191,640 -84,537,967 100,000

CASH FLOWS
FROM
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Receipt/Payment of 5 736,093 0 201,538 0

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Name of MDA
Annual Cash Flow Statement for the period ending 31st March 2015
2014/15 2013/14
Central Receipt/Payment Payment Central Receipt/Payment Payment by
Notes Payment Controlled by by Third Payment Controlled by Third
Account Entity parties Account Entity parties
Multilateral Debt
Receipt/Payment of
Bilateral Debt 5 0 0 0
Receipt of Domestic
Debt 0 0 0 0
Net Cash Flows
from Financing
Activities 736,093 0 201,538 0 0

NET INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS -4,763,546 107,071 9,898 -84,537,967 100,000
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS
AT BEGINNING
OF YEAR 212,170 151,084 0 0

CASH AND CASH


EQUIVALENTS
AT END OF YEAR -4,551,377 258,155 9,898 -84,537,967 100,000

188
Appendix 2- Notes to the Financial Statements Of MDAs: -

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Accounting Policies
- Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Administration
and Audit (FAA) and the FAA Act Instructions under The Cash Basis of Accounting principles.
The Cash Basis of Accounting is in transition to be compliant with Cash Basis International
Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS). Cash Basis IPSAS has not been fully adopted in the
preparation of these statements. Accounts for portfolio entities have not been consolidated with
parent ministry’s accounts.

- Reporting entity
The financial statements are for public sector entity: (Name of MDA).
The (Name of MDA) is one of the reporting entities as specified in the list of Central Treasury
Management Sites. The MDA’s principal activity is to provide (Include main function of the
entity).

The Accountant General operates a centralized treasury function which administers cash
expenditures incurred on behalf of government departments. Payments made through the Central
Payment Account in respect of the MDAs are disclosed in the Treasury Single Account column
in the Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments. Funds under the control of the MDAs are
disclosed in the Receipts and Payments Controlled by the Entity column in the Statement of
Cash Receipts and Payments.

- Payments by external third parties

(Name of MDA) benefits from goods and services purchased on its behalf as a result of cash
payments made by third parties during the reporting period. The payments made by the third
parties do not constitute cash receipts or payments of the Department but benefits the
Department.

- Reporting currency

The reporting currency is in Jamaica Dollars (currency of Jamaica).

2. Authorization Date

The financial statements were authorized for issue on XX Month 200XX by Permanent Secretary
of MDA.

3. Allocations & Appropriations

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Amounts allocated and appropriated through the parliament to the MDAs, are managed through
the Central Payment Account administered by the Accountant General’s Department. These
amounts are not controlled by the MDA but are deployed on the MDA’s behalf by the
Accountant General’s Department on presentation of appropriate documentation and
authorization. The amount reported as allocations/appropriations in the statement of cash receipts
and payments is the amount the Accountant General has expended for the benefit of the MDA.

4. Revenue Transfers

This represents amounts transferred to the Consolidated Fund by the revenue collection
agencies and MDAs.

5. External Assistance and Borrowing


External assistance was received in the form of loans and grants from multilateral and bilateral
donor agencies under agreements specifying the purposes for which the assistance will be
utilized.

6. Non Compliance with Significant Terms and Conditions


There have been no instances of non-compliance with terms and conditions which have resulted
in cancellation of external assistance loans.

7. Rescheduled and Cancelled Debt


There have been no instances of rescheduled or cancelled debt.

8. Restriction on Cash Balances


(a) Deposit Accounts
The deposit accounts are under the control of the MDA and as such the receipts, payments,
opening and closing balances are shown on the face of the statement of cash receipts and
payments in a column entitled “receipts/payments controlled by the entity”. The funds however
are not available for use by the MDA as it is being held for other parties.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Deposit Account Balance 129,077 100,000

(b) Special Accounts


Cash balances held in the Special/Project accounts jointly owned by the Ministry of Finance and
the relevant Ministries are not available for use as they were received as grants and loans which
must be used for specific purposes.

190
2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Special Account Balance 130,500 100,000

(c) Undrawn Borrowing Facilities


Undrawn borrowing facilities represent potential sources of cash for the MDA. Disclose the
amount of undrawn borrowing facilities.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Multilateral Loans/Grants 100,000 110,000
Bilateral Loans/Grants 150,000 120,000

(d) Undrawn External Assistance


Undrawn external assistance represents another potential source of cash for the MDA. Disclose
the amount of undrawn external assistance as indicated below.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Multilateral Loans/Grants 100,000 110,000
Bilateral Loans/Grants 150,000 120,000

9. Other Operating Payments

Included in other payments are rental of property, communication and miscellaneous payments.

191
Appendix 3- Consolidated Annual Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments
Consolidated Government of Jamaica
Annual Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments for the Year ending 31st March 2015

2014/15 2013/14

CASH FLOWS Receipt/Payment


FROM Controlled by Entity
OPERATING Payment by Receipt/Payment Payment by third
ACTIVITIES third Parties Controlled by Entity Parties

$'000' $'000' $'000' $'000'


Cash Receipts from Operating
Activities
TAXATION
Income Tax 121,583,903
General Consumption Tax 125,552,621
Education Tax 19,742,171
Special Consumption Tax 39,371,150
Travel Tax 9,809,979
Import Duties and Taxes -
Customs 26,874,970
Other Taxes 7 29, 113,953
NON TAX REVENUE
Dept. & Other Misc. Revenue 49,299,488
Interest 697,865
Post Office 1,158,465
External Assistance
Multilateral Grants and Technical
Assistance 3 7,033,853
Bilateral Agencies Grants and
Technical Assistance 0
Other Grants and Aid 0
Deposit Receipts 6 3,389,632
Unrealized Exchange
Difference Gain 0
Total Receipts 404,514,097 0.00 0.00 0.00

Cash Payment from Operating


Activities
Salaries and Employee benefits 115,459,753
Payment for goods and Services 72,236,109
Grants, Contributions & 61,143,787 0.00

192
Subsidies

Loan Interest and Expenses 124,534,723


Retirement Benefits 29,928,357
Other Payments 8 4,859,336 0.00
Deposit Payments 6 6,024,481
Unrealized Exchange
Difference Loss 0
Total Payments 414,186,546 0.00 0.00 0.00
Net Cash Inflow From
Operating Activities -9,672,449 - - -

CASH FLOWS FROM


INVESTMENTS
Purchases/sale of Non-Financial
Assets -104,209,861 0.00
Purchase/Sale of Non-Financial
Assets 0
Net Cash out/inflow from
Investments -104,209,861 0.00 0.00 0.00
CASH SURPLUS/DEFICIT -113,882,310 0.00 0.00 0.00

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING


ACTIVITIES
Receipt/Payment of Multilateral
Debt 3 41,321,912 -
Receipt/payment of Bilateral
Debt 5,347,420
Other Foreign Debt 89,385,566
Receipt/Payment of Domestic 42,549,478
Debt
Net Cash Flows from
Financing Activities 178,604,376 - - -

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 64,722,066 - - -
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
OF YEAR 34,728,278

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS


AT END OF YEAR 99,450,344 - - -
Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments for the Consolidated Government

193
Appendix 4 - Notes to the Consolidated Government Statement of Cash
Receipts & Payments

Consolidated Government of Jamaica


1. Accounting Policies
- Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Administration and
Audit (FAA) and the FAA Act Instructions under The Cash Basis of Accounting principles. The
Cash Basis of Accounting is in transition to be compliant with Cash Basis International Public
Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS). Cash Basis IPSAS has not been fully adopted for the
preparation of these financial statements. Excluded from consolidation are those entities not
governed by the Central Treasury Management System (CTMS), executive agencies and public
bodies.

- Reporting entity
The financial statements are for the Consolidated Government of Jamaica (GOJ)//Ministries/
Department/Agencies. The financial statements encompass the reporting entities that are
currently under the Central Treasury Management System as set out in Note 10 to the financial
statements.

- Payments by Third Parties


The government also benefits from goods and services purchased on its behalf as a result of cash
payments made by third parties during the period by way of grants and loans. The payments
made by the third parties do not constitute cash receipts or payments by the government but
benefit the government. They are disclosed in the Payments by third parties in the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments and other financial statements.

- Reporting currency

The reporting currencyis in Jamaican Dollars (currency of Jamaica).

2. Authorization Date
The financial statements were authorized for publication on XX Month 20XX by the
Accountant General, the Treasurer of GOJ.

3. External Assistance and Borrowing

External assistance was received in the form of loans and grants from multilateral and bilateral
donor agencies under agreements specifying the purposes for which the assistance will be
utilized. The following amounts are presented in Jamaican dollars and were received in the

194
Consolidated Fund and Special Bank Accounts.

Foreign Debt Consolidated Funds


Multilateral Programme
Loans 36,707,372,786.98
Bilateral Loans 5,347,420,000.00
Capital Market 89,385,564,960.00
131,440,357,746.98
Special Accounts 4,614,539,966.10
Total Foreign Debt 136,054,897,713.08

Consolidated
Multilateral Grants Funds
Other Grants 3,099,698,350.82
European Union 2,769,859,232.51
5,869,557,583.33
Special Accounts 1,164,295,738.11
Total Grants 7,033,853,321.44

4. Non Compliance with Significant Terms and Conditions


There have been no instances of non-compliance with terms and conditions which have resulted
in cancellation of external assistance loans.

5. Rescheduled and Cancelled Debt


There have been no instances of rescheduled or cancelled debt.

6. Restrictions on Cash Balances and Access to Borrowings

(a) Deposits -

The Deposit Account and Treasury Deposits are under the control of the Government of Jamaica
and as such the receipts, payments, opening and closing balances are shown on the face of the
Statement of Cash Receipts and Payments in a column entitled “receipts/payments controlled by
the entity”. The balances however are not available for use by the Government of Jamaica as
they are being held on behalf of other parties.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Treasury Deposits 2,115,965 5,342,775
MDA Deposits 1,273,667 1,500,000

195
(d) Special Accounts–

Cash balances held in the Special/Project accounts jointly owned by the Ministry of Finance and
the relevant Ministries are not available for use as they were received as grants and loans which
must be used for specific purposes.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Special Account Balance 1,851,616 4,000,000

7. Undrawn External Assistance–


Undrawn external assistance loans and grants at reporting date are amounts specified in a binding
agreement which relate to funding for projects currently under development, where conditions
have been satisfied, and their ongoing satisfaction is highly likely, and the project is anticipated
to continue to completion.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Multilateral Grants 1,000,000 900,000
Bilateral Grants 2,000,000 1,000,000

8. Undrawn Borrowing Facilities

Undrawn borrowing facilities represents a potential source of cash and as at reporting date are
amounts specified in a binding agreement which relate to funding for projects currently under
development, where conditions have been satisfied, and their ongoing satisfaction is highly
likely, and the project is anticipated to continue to completion.

2014-2015 2013-2014
$000 $000
Multilateral Loans 1,000,000 900,000
Bilateral Loans 2,000,000 1,000,000

9. Other Taxes
The amount shown as other taxes on the front of the Statement of Cash and Receipts and
Payments represents the items listed below.

Other Taxes
Motor Vehicle Licenses 2,679,428,665.69
Other Licenses 315,921,371.71
Betting Gaming & Lotteries Duties, 2,679,237,041.46

196
Fees & Levies
Contractors Levy 1,020,237,379.27
Environmental Levy 2,392,799,032.49
Telephone Call Tax 6,728,184,950.11
Minimum Business Tax 667,828,000.69
Stamp Duties 12,630,317,000.00
29,113,953,000.00
10. Other Operating Payments

Included in other payments are rental of property, communication and miscellaneous payments.
Also included is an amount of $4.8 billion which was funded in April 2014 but was for expenses
for the prior period March 2014 (warrant 47).

11. Significant Controlled Entities


0100 Governor General
0200 House of Parliament
0300 Office of the Public Defender
0400 Office of the Contractor-General
0500 Auditor-General
0600 Office of the Services Commissions
0700 Office of the Children's Advocate
0800 Independent Commission of Investigations
1500 Office of the Prime Minister
1600 Office of the Cabinet
1700 Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment
4500 Ministry of Youth and Culture
2000 Ministry of Finance and Planning
2011 Accountant General’s Department
2018 Debt Amortisation& Interest Charges
2019 Pensions
2056 Tax Administration Jamaica
2600 Ministry of National Security
2622 Police Department
2624 Department of Correctional Services
2800 Ministry of Justice
2825 Director of Public Prosecutions
2831 Attorney General
2832 Trustee in Bankruptcy
2833 Office of the Parliamentary Counsel
2852 Legal Reform Department
2854 Court Management services
2823 Court of Appeal
2826 Family Courts
2827 Resident Magistrates’ Courts

197
2828 Revenue Court
2829 Supreme Court
3000 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
4000 Ministry of Labour and Social Security
4100 Ministry of Education
4200 Ministry of Health
4234 Bellevue Hospital
4235 Government Chemist
5100 Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
5300 Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce
5600 Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining
5639 Post and Telecommunication Department
6500 Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing
6700 Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change
7200 Ministry of Local Government and Community Development

198
Appendix 5- Foreign Currency Account Cash Book

Foreign Currency Account Cash Book


Opening Exchange Receipts JMD Payments JMD JMD
USD Receipts Payments Balance
Balance Rate Equivalent Equivalent Balance
1-Apr-14 5,000 5,000 110.00 550,000.00
4-May-14 1,000 4,000 111.00 0.00 111,000.00 439,000.00
6-Jun-14 3,000 1,000 6,000 112.00 336,000.00 112,000.00 663,000.00
10-Jul-14 1,000 5,000 113.00 0.00 113,000.00 550,000.00
13-Aug-14 1,000 4,000 114.00 0.00 114,000.00 436,000.00
15-Sept-14 3,000 1,000 6,000 115.00 345,000.00 115,000.00 666,000.00
5-Oct-14 1,000 5,000 116.00 0.00 116,000.00 550,000.00
18-Nov-14 2,000 3,000 117.00 0.00 234,000.00 316,000.00
7-Dec-14 4,000 2,000 5,000 118.00 472,000.00 236,000.00 552,000.00
12-Jan-15 1,000 4,000 119.00 0.00 119,000.00 433,000.00
25-Mar-15 1,000 3,000 119.50 0.00 119,500.00 313,500.00
10,000.00 12,000.00 1,153,000.00 1,389,500.00

(1) Converted Foreign Currency Cash Balance

Closing USD Balance 3,000.00


BOJ Closing Rate at 120.00
31/3/2015
Closing JMD Equivalent 360,000.00
Unrealized Exchange Difference - Gain
(2) Cash Book JMD 313,500.00
Balance

Exchange Difference 360,000.00 - 313,500.00 = 46,500.00

199
Appendix 6- Consolidated/Ministry Comparison of Budget and Actual Amounts
CONSOLIDATED/MINISTRY OF XXX HEAD No.XXX
COMPARISON OF BUDGET AND ACTUAL AMOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED XXX

YTD YTD YTD Variance


DESCRIPTION 1ST Supp. Est. 2nd Supp. Est. 3rd Supp. Est. VARIANCES
ESTIMATES Revised Estimate Actual Expenditure Explanation
$'000' $'000' $'000' $'000' $'000' $'000' $'000'
TAXATION
Income Tax 119,345,750 121,583,903 2,238,154
Tax on Interest/Dividend
Education Tax 18,700,526 19,742,171 1,041,645

Contractors Levy 1,087,065 1,020,237 -66,828

General Consumption Tax 132,377,559 125,552,621 -6,824,937


Special Consumption Tax 39,070,933 39,371,150 300,217
Stamp Duties 11,850,460 12,630,317 779,857
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries
Motor Vehicle Licences 2,631,894 2,679,237 47,535
Environmental Levy 2,333,455 2,392,799 59,344
Telephone Call Tax 7,057, 829 6,728,185 -329,644

Customs 28,338,290 26,874,970 -1,463,320

Other Licences 395,083 315,921 -79,163


Travel Tax 9,520,738 9,809,979 289,241
Quarry Tax 3,691,419 2,679,237 -1,012,182
Minimum Business Tax 1,200,000 667,828 -532,172

Other Tax Revenue 17,937 0 -17,937

TOTAL TAX REVENUE 377,601,000 372,048,748 -5,570,189


NON-TAX REVENUE
Pension (Social Security) Contributions
Postal Revenue 1,245,256 1,158,465 -86,791
Interest and Dividends (Property Income) 695,519 697,865 2,346
Royalties 621,135 602,074 -19,062
Fines, Penalties and Forfeits
Registration & Renewal Fees
Permits
Rental of Property
Courts, Police & Fire Services Fees
Visa & Passport Fees
Education and Training Fees
Commissions & Service Cost Recovery
Technical/Professional and Other Fees
Processing & Miscellaneous Fees
Other Non-Tax Revenue 32,245,669 30,809,293 -1,436,376
TOTAL NON TAX REVENUE 34,807,579 33,267,697 -1,539,883

TOTAL REVENUE 412,408,579 405,316,445 -7,110,072

GRANTS
Current Grants – Foreign Government
Current Grants– International Organisation
Current Grants – Local Organisation 8,644,850 6,722,561 -1,922,289
Capital Grants – Foreign Government
Capital Grants – International Organisation
Capital Grants – Local Organisation
TOTAL GRANTS 8,644,850 6,722,561 -1,922,289
TOTAL REVENUE AND GRANT 421,071,366 412,039,006 -9,032,361
NON FINANCIAL ASSETS
Land Sales 161,231 161,231
Proceeds from Divestment
TOTAL NON FINANCIAL ASSETS 161,231 161,231
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Loans – Miscellaneous 132,174 573,917 441,742
TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS 132,174 573,917 441,742
FINANCIAL LIABILITY
Domestic Loans 56,280,600 44,757,666 -11,522,934
Multilateral Loans 21,179,902 36,707,373 15,527,472
Bilateral Loans 4,804,000 5,347,420 543,420
Other Foreign Loan 28,630,000 89,385,565 60,755,565

TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITY 110,894,501 176,198,024 65,303,523

TOTAL RECEIPTS ( REVENUES , ASSETS & LOANS) 532,098,042 588,972,178 56,874,136

EXPENDITURE
Compensation of Employees 2,040,311 88,455 2,128,766 2,027,589 101,177
Travel Expenses & Subsistence 472,320 22,707 495,027 472,629 22,398
Rental Of Property &Machinery 77,504 2,115 79,619 76,148 3,471
Utilities And Communication Services 143,166 56,958 200,124 201, 025 -901
Use Of Goods And Services 4,114,587 81,830 4,196,417 4,104,846 91, 571
Loan Interest Payments& Expenses
Grants, Contributions & Subsidies 3,654,072 -82,193 3,571,879 3,746,850 -174,971
Retirement Benefits
Awards & Social Assistance 291,500 35,903 327,403 323,962 3,441
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 10,793,460 205775 10,999,235 10,953,049 -46,186
NON FINANCIAL ASSETS
Land 5,000 0 1,000 4,000
Fixed Assets (Capital Goods) 130,020 -6,889 123,131 41,011 82,120

Inventories (Animals, Spare Parts, and


Goods for Sale etc.)
Art & Other Valuables

TOTAL NON FINANCIAL ASSETS 135,020 -6,889 123,131 42,011 86,120

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Loans 1,016,297 3,688 1,019,958 919,985 100,000


TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS 1,016,297 3,688 1,019,958 919,985 100,000

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Loans Payable 20,247,445 17,147,445 3,100,000 0 3,100,000


TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 20,247,445 17,147,445 3,100,000 0 3,100,000

TOTALPAYMENTS 32,192,222 17,350,019 15,242,324 11,915,045 3,332,306


SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 499,905,820 17,350,019 15,242,324 577,057,133 53,541,830

.
Director of Finance/Financial
Accountant Accounting Officer
Controller

Date Date Date

200
Appendix 7- Project Summary Receipts and Payments Statements
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT AGENCY __________________________________________________________________________
ORGANISATION CODE _____________________FINANCIAL PATTERN ___________________

PROJECT SUMMARY RECEIPT & PAYMENT STATEMENT


NAME OF PROJECT ________________________________________________
Project Agreement NO. Project Code
MONTH -___________________________

CURRENCY ___________(N.B. Separate Sheets must be prepared according to the foreign currency)
GRANT

PAYMENTS TO BALANCE AS
LOAN/GRANT LOAN/GRANT EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE TRANSFER PAYMENTS TO
ACCOUNT BALANCE as Start TRANSFER CONSOLIDATED ATTHE END OF
RECEIPTS FOR RECEIPTS TO PAYMENTS FOTR PAYMENTS TO PAYMENTS TO CONSOLIDATED
NUMBER of Month PAYMENTS FUND FOR THE YTHE MONTH
THE MONTH DATE THE MONTH DATE DATE FUND TO DATE
MONTH -

234307045 100,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 100,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 100,000.00 400,000.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00
100,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 100,000.00 50,000.00 100,000.00 0.00 500,000.00

LOAN
231719385 0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT PROJECT MANAGER


Date Date

201
Appendix 8- Project Detail Receipts and Payments Statements

MINI(STRY/DEPARTMENT AGENCY __________________________________________________________________________

ORGANISATION CODE _____________________FINANCIAL PATTERN ___________________

PROJECT DETAIL -RECEIPT & PAYMENT STATEMENT

NAME OF PROJECT _________________________________ Project Agreement NO. __________ Project Code_______

MONTH -___________________________

(N.B Separate Detail Sheets must be used for loans and Grants per project)

Economic Foreign
Exchange JMD Equivalent Foreign Currency JMD Equivalent
Date Payee Classification Code currency
Rate Received Amount Paid Paid
(Object Received

Totals

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT PROJECT MANAGER


Date Date

202
Appendix 9 - Procedure For Daily Reconciliation of Point of Sale (Debit/Credit Cards
Collections)

Reconciliation at Collectorates

(1) Check collects as per CRS/Manual Records against summary print out from Point-Of-Sale (POS)
machine. Where there is a difference, detail reconciliation must be done, errors found and resolved.
(2) Sign two copies of Reconciliation Statement (see sample form).
(3) File one copy of the Reconciliation Statement and submit the other copy along with the original POS
printout to the Revenue Accounts section at King Street.

Reconciliation at Revenue Accounts Branch

(1) Obtain bank statement from bank or scrutinize same through the Direct Access System
(2) Identify all POS lodgements on Bank Statement (NB. this will be represented by a special code used
by the bank for each Collectorate.
(3) Compare POS lodgments on bank statement with returns from Collectorate.
(4) Advise Collectorate of the details of any discrepancies found.
(5) Follow up and ensure resolution/correction of errors.

NB. Debit Card transactions are credited as the transaction occurs, but credit card transactions may take up to
24 hours to be credited to the bank account.

203
Appendix 10 - Approved Credit Card Ceilings

The credit limit on GCC andICCmust be in accordance with amounts stipulated below:

CREDIT CARD CATEGORIES CREDIT CARD CEILINGS

Individual Credit Card (ICC)

Local Individual Credit Card $1,300,000.00

International Single Currency Card US$10,000.00

International Dual Currency Card US$10,000.00

General Credit Cards (GCC)

Local Single Currency J$715,000.00

International Single Currency US$5,500.00

International Dual Currency US$5,500.00

204
Appendix 11- Preset Limits on Call For Government Mobile Telephone

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL CATEGORY MOBILE


TELEPHONE
CATEGORY A

 Governor General
 Prime Minister & Cabinet Ministers
 Ministers of State
 Parliamentary Secretaries
 Board Chairmen & Mayors
 Permanent Secretaries No Pre-set Limit on calls
 Commissioners
 Chief Executive Officerss
 Chief Technical Directors
 Heads of Departments
 Public Officials paid at the level of
SEG 5 or equivalent or above

CATEGORY B

 Divisional Heads
 Senior Managers
 Program Managers
 Public Relation Officers Maximum Pre-set Limit on calls and
 Project Officers data services - $2,500 per month
 Public Officials paid at the level of
SEG 3 and or equivalent

CATEGORY C

 Technical Officers
 Field Officers
 Managers Maximum Pre-set Limit on calls and
 Public Official paid at the level of SEG data services -$2,000.00 per month
2 or equivalent or below

205
Appendix 12- Authority for Write-Off of Loss of Public Money

AUTHORITY TO WRITE-OFF LIMITS FOR WRITE-OFFS

Accounting Officer Loss of public monies, bad debts,


Chief Executive Officer advances,loans, unreconciled differences,
Head of Department deficiencies of allocated stores and
equipment, inventory loss or any other loss
up to $250,000.00 per item.

Financial Secretary Loss of public monies, bad debts,


advances,loans, unreconciled differences,
deficiencies of allocated stores and
equipment, inventory loss or any other loss
up $15,000,000.00

Minister Loss of public monies, bad debts, advances,


loans, unreconciled differences, deficiencies
of allocated stores and equipment, inventory
loss or any other loss Up to $30,000,000.00

Cabinet Loss of public monies, bad debts, advances,


loans, unreconciled differences, deficiencies
of allocated stores and equipment, inventory
loss or any other loss over $30,000,000.00

206
Appendix 13- Jamaica Public Investment Management System

MDA, GBE,
Cabinet
PIMSEC
Donors, (with PEX, PED) Recommend Approval
Consultants, for inclusion
PIM in PSIP
DBJ (for PPP)
PIMSEC PIM Committee
(with assistance COMMITTEE Review
from DBJ & MoFP Preparation
MDAs, GBEs if it is a PPP) and
(with or without Proceed Appraisal
Donors) with No
Pre- Objection
screening
Develop Review
and
Submit a
Project
Idea
through
PIMSEC REJECT REJECT

MORE
WORK/INFO
PROJECT RECONFIGURATION
DBJ performs Business Case if it is a PPP

Phase 1 Phase 2

207
Appendix 14 -Document Retention Schedule

Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

FINANCE MANAGEMENT

Financial Policies & Procedures Superseded + 10 years then review Electronic/paper

Finance Committee Papers Current financial year + 4 years Electronic/paper

Audit Committee Papers Current financial year + 4 years Electronic/paper

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

Annual Budgets Permanently Electronic/paper

One (1) year after publication of the


Budget Estimates Electronic/paper
approved budget

Strategic Business Plan Permanent Electronic/paper

MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL


ACCOUNTING

Monthly financial management accounts Currentfinancial year + 3 years Electronic/paper

Journals raised Current financial year + 4 years Electronic

Journal backing documentation Current financial year +6 years Paper

Year end reconciliations Current financialyear + 4 years Electronic

208
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

Annual Statutory accounts (Drafts) 2 years after final accounts is signed Electronic/paper

Final Accounts Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Appropriation Accounts Permanent Electronic/paper

Financial statements Currentfinancialyear + 6 years Electronic/paper

RECORD OF CAPITAL ASSETS

Furniture Current financial year + 5 years Electronic/paper

Equipment Current financial year + 5 years Electronic/paper

MotorVehicle Current financial year + 5 years Electronic/paper

AUDIT

Records documenting the conduct and results of


audits and action taken to address issues (for both Last action on audit + 6 years Electronic/paper
internal and external audits)

Audit Committee Records:


 Annual Reports Current financial year + 4 years
Electronic/paper
 Meeting Reports
 Appointment letters
 Other related correspondences
 Invoices
 Payment Vouchers Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper
 Commitment Requisitions

209
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

TREASURY

Investment management
Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper
 Fund managers’ report
 Records of purchase and sale of investments
Loan Agreements Permanent Electronic/paper

Loan Register Permanent Electronic/paper

PROPERTY DOCUMENTATION

Property leases/licences End of lease + 6 years Electronic/paper

Property purchases Permanent Electronic/paper

Financial records in respect of Property sales Year of sale + 6 years Electronic/paper

TAX MANAGEMENT

Tax Returns Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Tax Refund Claims 5 years after refund Electronic

2 years after refund Paper

Tax Notices 5 years after notice Electronic

2 years after notice Paper

PROCUREMENT/ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

210
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

Tender Documents: Current financial year + 6 years


Electronic/paper
 Successful tenders
 Unsuccessful tenders
Supplier Information Form Current financial year Electronic/paper

Purchase requisitions/invoices Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/Paper

Payment records:
 Documents relating to the payment of Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper
supplier invoices
 Foreign payment forms/invoices
Employee expenses Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Corporate Cards:
 Credit cards Current financial year + 6 years
 Gas cards Electronic/paper
 Cash cards
Corporate Cardstatements
Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION

Payrollcards & Register 45 years Paper

60 years Electronic

RECEIVABLES

211
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

Records documenting the issue of sales invoices Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper
and the processing of incoming payments

FUNDING APPLICATIONS & AWARDS

Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper


Funding Grant records
Electronic/paper

Administration of scholarshipfunds Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Statistics and reports Current financial year +3 years Electronic/paper

BANK ACCOUNT RECORDS

Administration of bank accounts:


 Opening, closing & routine administration
 Bank Statements, advices & correspondence 6 years after close of bank account Electronic/paper
 Standing orders
 Direct debits
 bank deposits
Cheques and associated records 6 years after close of bank account Electronic/paper

Bank reconciliation 6 years after close of bank account Electronic/paper

Bank statements 6 years after close of bank account Electronic/paper

Electronic banking and electronic funds transfer Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

212
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

EXPENDITURE RECORDS

Cash books Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Creditors (historical records) Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Statements (payables) 3 years Electronic/paper

Vouchers Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Petty cash records Current financial year + 2 years Electronic/paper

LEDGER RECORDS

General and subsidiary ledgers Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Relatedjournals Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Journals Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Trial balance and reconciliations Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

RECEIPTS AND REVENUE RECORDS

Receipt books Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Cash registers Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Cashiers’ records Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Revenue records Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

213
Records Series Retention Period Retention Format

Debtors’ records Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

Debits and refunds Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

SALARY AND RELATED RECORDS

Employee pay histories 50 years Electronic/paper

Salary Rates Register 50 years Electronic/paper

Salary ledger cardrecords 50 years Electronic/paper

STORES RECORDS

Delivery Slips One (1) year after Audit Electronic/paper

Stock/stores control cards/sheets/records One (1) year after Audit Electronic/paper

Stock/stores issue registers/records One (1) year after Audit Electronic/paper

Stocktaking sheets/records, including inventories, One (1) year after Audit Electronic/paper
stock reconciliations, stock take reports

Purchaseorder books/records Current financial year + 6 years Electronic/paper

NB : - For the purposes of this schedule, electronic documents should be captured and maintained with inappropriate systems that
facilitates their retrieval and should be able to stand up to legal or business scrutiny.

214
Appendix 15- Point of Sale Reconciliation Statement

POINT-OF-SALE
RECONCILIATION STATEMENT

COLLECTORATE/REVENUE CENTRE_______________________________________
FOR_______/________/_____
Year month day
CARD TYPE : CREDIT/DEBIT

(1) TOTAL CARD COLLECTION AS PER P-O-S MACHINE _________________

(2) TOTAL CARD COLLECTIONAS PER CRS/MANUAL________________

ADJUSTMENTS

LESS : (A) ________________


(B) ________________
(C) ________________
(D) _______________________________

ADD : (A) __________________


(B) __________________
(C) __________________
(D) _________________________________

AGREEMENT WITH CARD COLLECTIONS @ (1) _______________

(3) NOTES

(4) I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE TOTAL CARD COLLECTIONS AS PER P-O-S MACHINE AND
MANUAL IMPRINTER HAVE BEEN CHECKED BY ME AND RECONCILED WITH THE
CRS/MANUAL SUMMARY OF DAILY COLLECTIONS.

________________________________________ ___________________________
COLLECTOR OF TAXES CASHIER

215
Appendix 16 -Acceptance of Gift Form
(To record items received as gifts.)
Donor(s): Donor Address:

Donor(s) Phone: Date of Receipt of Gift:


Donor(s) E-mail:

PART I Money
Amount $ Purpose of the Gift

PART II Service
Type of Service Value$ Location

PART III Fixed Assets


Description & Serial#
Value$ Location
Model #

PART IV Consumables
Description Quantity Value$ Purpose of the Gift

Comment

Recipient Signature: Authorizing Signature:

Date Date

216
Appendix 17- Statutory Deductions Payable Form

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT/AGENCY ______________________________

MONTH ____________________

TAX NATIONAL NHT


NHT NIS NIS
MINISTRY/ REGISTRATION INSURANCE Employer’s
INCOME TAX EDUCATION EMPLOYEES’ EMPLOYEES’ Employer’s
DEPARTMENT/ NUMBER SCHEME CONTRIBUTION GRAND
(PAYE) TAX CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION
AGENCY/ NUMBER TOTAL
Institution

217
Appendix 18- Mobile Telephone Register

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT/AGENCY/ PUBLIC BODY ____________________________________________________

CUG – Closed User Group. TSP – Telephone Service Provider


CUG OWNED BY SIGNATURE
SERVICE SERIAL DESCRIPTION NAME OF DATE
OF REMARKS
PROVIDER NUMBER (YES/NO) GOJ/ TSP OF TELEPHONE ASSIGNEE ASSIGNED
TELEPHONE# ASSIGNEE

218
Appendix 19- Laptop Assignment Form

ASSIGNEE_____________________________________DATE___________

LAPTOP& OTHER Serial CONDITION COMMENTS


ITEMS ASSIGNED Number Excellent Good Satisfactory
Laptop
Mouse
Spare Battery
Removeable Drive
Pcmcia Modem Card
Additional Keyboard
Ac Adapter (Cable)
Other Items (Specify)

The above peripheral devices and other items in the condition as stated above is the property of the

_______________________________and is being assigned to you for _______________________

Day(s)/week(s)/month(s)/year(s) for the purpose of conducting the work of the ministry/departmeny/ agency/public body. It is your responsibility to safeguard this
computer, the peripheral devices and other items from theft , loss or damageand to ensure its proper care and use. The computeris being loan to you on the
following conditions:

(1) No additional software is to be looaded to the computer without the permission of the ministry/department/agency/public body.
(2) In case of damage, theft or loss, a formal report is to be made immediately by you to the ministry/department/agency/public body (NB. You will be held
personally liable for any loss or damage caused by negligence based on an internal investigation.

219
(3) The ministry/department/agency/public body reserves the right to recall the computer at any time.

The computer is subject to the audit of the Chief Audit Executive and the Auditor-General.

NAME OF ASSIGNEE : NAME OF ISSUING OFFICER :

SIGNATURE OF ASSIGNEE SIGNATURE OF ISSUING OFFICER :

DATE : DATE :

220
Appendix 20- laptop Assignment Register

LAPTOP ASSIGNMENT REGISTER

ASSIGNMENT RETURN
LAPTOP
PERIPHERAL DATE
DATE NAME OF SERIAL DATE
DEVICES/ & TO BE RECEIVED BY REMARKS
ASSIGNED ASSIGNEE # RETURNED
OTHER ITEMS RETURNED
ASSIGNED

221
Appendix 21- Declaration by Owner of Motor Vehicle Assigned to Travelling Officer

I______________________________________________________________________
Name of Owner

of ____________________________________________________________________
Address of Owner

Do hereby declare that I have with effect from ______________________________


Date

assign my _____________________________________________________________
Vehicle Model and Type

To ___________________________________________________________________
Name of Travelling officer

For the purpose of performing his/her official duties at the:


______________________________________________________________________
Ministry/Department/Agency

freely and unencumbered. I do also declare that the aforesaid motor vehicle is not the subject of any travelling
allowance being paid by a ministry/department/agency or any public body. Finally, I further declare that I will
immediately advise the abovenamed Ministry/Department/Agency upon my revocation of the assignment of this motor
vehicle to the travelling officer.

______________________________________________ _______________________
Signature of . Motor Vehicle Owner Date

___________________ __________________________
Witnessed By Date

222
Appendix 22- Declaration of Travelling Officer with Assigned Vehicle

I______________________________________________________________________
Name of Travelling Officer

of ____________________________________________________________________
Address of Travelling Officer

Do hereby declare that I have with effect from ______________________________ been assigned a

________________________________________ by ____________________________________________
Vehicle Model and Type Name of Owner

For the purpose of performing my official duties at the ______________________________________.


Ministry/department/agency

I do also declare that to the best of my knowledge the aforesaid motor vehicle is not the subject of any travelling
allowance being paid by a ministry/department/agency or any public body. Finally, I further declare that I will
immediately advise the Human Resources Division of the ministry/department/agency upon the owner’s revocation
of the assignment of the motor vehicle to me or in the event of any circumstances where I am unable to satisfactorily
perform my official duties through the free and unencumbered use of the said motor vehicle.

______________________________________________ _______________________
Signature. Travelling Officer Date

________________________________________________ __________________________
Witnessed By Date

223
Appendix 23 - Chauffeur’s Allowance Certificate

224
Appendix 24- Travel Register

225
Appendix 25- Transport Allowance Claim Form

226
227
Appendix 26- Quarterly Report on Losses Written Off

Ministry/Department/Agency____________________________________________________

Head No.____________ Quarter____________________ Year _____________


(List all losseswritten off since the start of the financial year)
Description of Date Amount of Amount Write Off
Loss Reported to Loss Recovered Approved Date of Amount
MOF/AuDG to date REMARKS
By Approval Approved

We hereby certify that the report herein represents an accurate account of all Losses written off during the financial year.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Accounting Officer/Chief Executive


Controller Officer

Date Date Date

228
Appendix 27- Utility Register – Electricity , Water and Electricity

SECTION A STATIC DATA

Organisation Code
Name.
Electricity/ Water

Utility Company Name

TRN

Meter Number/

Telephone Number

Account Number Customer No.

Premises No.

Premises Address/Location

Billing Cycle

Amount Deposited

Other Particulars

SECTION B PAYMENT DATA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Meter Reading
Current
Bill Bal b/f Total
Bill Period Previous Present Month
Due Previous Amount Period
Bill
Actual or Actual or Date Period Payable
Amount
From To Estimated Estimated

229
8 9 10 11 12 13 14

AGD Date Paid Amount Amount Paid - Remarks


Cheque Year
Treasury Paid
PV/ JV No./Transit To Date
Ref#
No. no. $

230
Appendix 28- Private Telephone Call Register

Private
Date Name of Place Call Signature Authorising Receipts Remarks
Caller Called Tel. # of Caller Officer Number

231
Appendix 29- Rent Payable Register

SECTION A STATIC DATA

Organisation Code

Name

Property Name &


Address

Property Owner & TRN Name

TRN

Contract Number

Rental File Number

Rental Contract

Date Signed

Size of area rented

Sq.feet/ Sq Metre/Acre

Monthly Rental Amount

Other Particulars

SECTION B PAYMENT DATA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Period PV No. Cheque AGD Date Amount Amount Remarks


No./ Treasury Paid Paid Paid -Year
Transit no. Ref# $ To Date
$

232
233
Appendix 30 - Contract Register

SECTION A STATIC DATA

Organisation Code

Name

Contractor’s Name

Contractor’s TRN

Contractor’s Address

Contract Number

Contract File Number

Contract Date Signed

Description of Contract

Contract Scheduled Date Commencement Date

Completion Date

Contract Extension Period/Date

234
Approved

Contract Actual Completion Date

Contract Amount

Contract Retention %

Other Particulars

SECTION B MATERIALS SUPPLIED TO CONTRACTORS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Period PV/JV Payment Invoice. Supplier Cheque AGD Date Amount Total Paid Remarks
No. Description No. Name/ No./ Treasury Paid Paid to Date
TRN Transit Ref# $ $
no.

235
SECTION C- PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Period & Date Current Amount Certification Value of Work Amount due for Less Less Liquidated
Certified for No. and Date Done to Date payment on Retention Damages, if any
Payment Contract Amount

PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Less Less Less Other PV/JV Cheque Cheque AGD Date Amount Total Paid to
Contractor’s GCT Deduction(s), if No. No./Cheque No./ Treasury Paid Paid Date
levy any, (specify) Date Transit Ref# $ $
no.

236
237
Appendix 31- Voucher Forms

COMMITMENT REQUISITION FORMS

Commitment Requisition C1 Commitment Recurrent/Capital A &B

Commitment Reversal C2 Commitment Reversal Recurrent/Capital A & B

PAYMENT VOUCHER FORMS

Recurrent/Capital A & B Payment where no special form as


Payment Voucher P1
listed below is required

Payment Voucher
P1(a) Continuation Sheet for Form P1
(Continued)

Payment Voucher Continuation Sheet for Form P1 ( single payee with multiple
P1(b)
(Continued) breakouts)

Payment Voucher Continuation Sheet for Form P1 (multiple payees with single
P1( c )
(Continued) breakout)

Payment Voucher
P2 Recurrent/Capital A & B Advance Payment
(Advance Payment)

Petty Cash Payment Voucher P3 Petty Cash Payment

Contract Voucher P4 Contract Payment

Payment Voucher
P5 Deposit Payment
(Deposit )

Payment Voucher (Deposit P5(a) Continuation Sheet for Deposit Payment Form P5

Continued)
Transport Allowance
P6 Payment of Transport Allowance Claim
Voucher

Subsistence Allowance
P7 Payment of Subsistence Allowance Claim
Voucher

JOURNAL VOUCHER FORMS

238
Journal Voucher J1 Recurrent/Capital A & B Journal

Journal Voucher (Continued) J1(a) Continuation Sheet for Journal Voucher Form J1

Journal Voucher J2 Recurrent/Capital A & B Journal for Budget/Warrant Input

(Budget/Warrant
Journal Voucher (Budget/
Input) J2(a) Continuation Sheet for Journal Voucher Form J2
Warrant Input Continued )

Journal
Input) Voucher J3 Deposit Journal
(Deposit Transactions)

Journal Voucher (Deposit


J3(a) Continuation Sheet for Deposits Journal
Transaction Continued)

239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
Appendix 32 MDA’s Monthly Financial Reports

No. Statement Financial Pattern

MFR 1 Trial Balance FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90

MFR 2 Receipt and Payment Statement


, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90

MFR 3 Bank Reconciliation Statement FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45, 90

MFR 4 Statement of Bank Balance FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45

Statement of Expenditure by FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32


MFR 5
Activities

Statement of Expenditure by FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32


MFR 6
Objects

MFR 7 Summary of Advances FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32

MFR 8 List of Advances FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32

MFR 9 Summary of Deposits

MFR 10 List of Deposits FP45

Statement of Miscellaneous FP90


MFR 11
Revenue

Statement of Appropriations-in- FP11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32


MFR 12
aid

264
GENERAL LEDGER TRIAL BALANCE MFR 1

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern Period No. Status

Account Balance
Description DR CR

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Accounting Officer


Controller

Date Date Date

265
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS MFR 2

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Financial Period
HEAD NO. Pattern Period No. Status

RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
1. Balance B/F (if in Debit) 1. Bank Balance B/F (if in Credit)
a) Cash in hand
b) Warrant Balance Account
2. Warrant Issue 2 Warrant Refund
3 Reimbursement of Advances - MOF Contingencies
3 Advances from - MOF Contingencies Provision Provision
4. Advances from – Treasury Deposits 4. Reimbursement of Advances – Treasury Deposits
5. Expenditure Credits 5 Expenditure Payment
7 Other Receipts Other Payments
6. Bank Balance C/F (if in Credit) 6. Balance C/F (if in Debit)
a) Cash in hand
b) Warrant Balance Account
TOTAL TOTAL

I certify that this statement accurately reflect the Warrant Balance of the financial pattern reported herein as at the reporting date.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

266
DEPOSIT/FUND RECEIPT & PAYMENTS STATEMENTS MFR 2

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Period No. Status

RECEIPT PAYMENTS

1. Balance B/F (if in Debit) 1. Bank Balance B/F (if in Credit)


a) Cash in hand 2. Deposits/Fund. Paid
(b) Bank Account
Deposits/Funds Received
3. Bank Balance C/F (if in Credit) 3. Balance C/F (if in Debit)
a) Cash in hand
b) Bank Account
TOTAL TOTAL

I certify that this statement accurately reflects the Cash Book position of the bank account in respect of the financial pattern reported herein as at the reporting date.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date


267
Bank Reconciliation Statement MFR 3
As at _______________________________
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year
Period
HEAD NO. Period No.
Status
(1) Cash Book (or balance in bank account in main Ledger)
$ $
Cash Book balance (unadjusted) xxxx
Adjustments
Less - Bank Charges xxxx
- Debit Advice(s), if any xxxx
- Any other Debits xxxx xxxx
xxxx
Add - Interest credited by Bank xxxx
-Credit Advice(s), if any xxxx
- Any other credit xxxx xxxx
Adjusted Cash Book balance xxxx
2 Bank Statement
Balance as per bank Statement xxxx
Adjustments
Add: - Lodgement(s) not yet credited by bank xxxx
- Amount(s) erroneously debited by bank, xxxx
- Other(s) xxxx xxxx
xxxx
Less - Unpresented Cheques xxxx
- Amount(s) erroneously credited by bank xxxx
- Others xxxx xxxx
Agreeing with adjusted Cash Book/main Ledger balance xxxx

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date


268
STATEMENT OF BALANCES IN BANK ACCOUNTS OPERATED BY MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT MFR 4

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Period No. Status

Month up to Month up to Remarks


Bank Balance at the start of Balance at the end of
Title of Name of which which bank
Account month month
Account bank reconciliation statement is
Number
is completed received
Cash Book Bank Cash Book Bank
Statement Statement

(NB, This statement should provide information on all official bank accounts held by the Ministry/.Department)

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

269
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITY MFR 5
Financial
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Year
Period Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern No. Status

Fun/SFun (10)
Prog/Sprog (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Balance on
Proj/Sproj (2) (3)
Warrant Current Month's Total Expenditure total Advances Undischarged Balance on Warrant Approved Budget
Act/SAct Description Approved Budget
Int Organ Allocation to date Expenditure to date Outstanding to date Commitments to date 4-(6+8) 3-(6+8)
J

TOTAL $

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

270
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE BY OBJECT MFR 6
Financial
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Year
Period Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern No. Status

Fun/SFun (10)
Prog/Sprog
(4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Balance on
Proj/Sproj (2) (3)
Act/SAct Warrant Current Month's Total Expenditure total Advances Undischarged Balance on Warrant Approved Budget
Int Organ
Description Approved Budget 3-(6+8)
Allocation to date Expenditure to date Outstanding to date Commitments to date 4-(6+8)
Object
J

TOTAL $

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date


271
SUMMARY OF ADVANCES MFR 7

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern Period No. Status

Debit
Advances O/S At Cleared/ Credit Advances O/S At
Advances Paid Adjustments
Category The Start Of The Adjustment The End Of The
During Month During Month
1 Month During Month Month
3 4
2 5 6

01 - Personal Advance

02 - Imprest Advance

03 - Advance to Other Ministries and Department

04 - Advance to Other Government Agencies/Public Bodies

09 - Other Advances

Total $

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

272
LIST OF OUTSTANDING ADVANCES MFR 8

Financial Year
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT
Period Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern No. Status

Balance at the Current Balance


Advance Account Account No. start of F/Y
AGE
DR/(CR) REMARKS
Name DR/(CR)
1 2 4 6
3 5

Total Category 01 - Personal


Advance

02 –
Total Category Imprest Advance

03 - Advance to
Total Category Other Min &
Depts

273
Balance at the Current Balance
Advance Account Account No. start of F/Y
AGE
DR/(CR) REMARKS
Name DR/(CR)
1 2 4 6
3 5

04 - Advance to
Total Category Other Govt.
Agencies/Public
Bodies

09 - Other
Total Category Advances

GRAND TOTAL

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

274
SUMMARY OF DEPOSITS - MFR 9

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern Period No. Status

Opening Deposit Deposits


Deposits Deposits Paid
CATEGORY balance as at Adjustments Balances as at
Received During the
beginning of During Month the end of the
During Month Month
1 Month 4 Month
3 5
2 6

40 - Revenue Deposits

41 – Refundable Deposits

42 - Works Deposits

43 - Other Deposits

Total $

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date


275
LIST OF DEPOSIT/FUND BALANCES MFR 10
Financial
Year
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT
Period Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern No. Status

Balance at the start of Current Balance


Deposit Account Account No. F/Y DR/(CR) AGE REMARKS
DR/(CR)

1 2 3 4 5 6

Total for Category: 40 - Revenue


Deposits

Total for Category: 41- Refundable


Deposits

276
Balance at the start of Current Balance
Deposit Account Account No. F/Y DR/(CR) AGE REMARKS
DR/(CR)

Total for Category: 42- Works


Deposits

Total for Category: 43- Other


Deposits

GRAND TOTAL $

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

277
STATEMENT OF MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE MFR 11

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern Period No. Status

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Collections Budget
Revenue Collections For Lodgements Collections To Lodgements
Annual Not Lodged Variance
Code/Descrip. The Month For The Month Date To Date
(5-6) 2-5

Total

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

278
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS-IN-AID MFR 12

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Financial Pattern Period No. Status

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
AIA
Credit Debit Total AIA For Budget Variance
Collected Total AIA To
Aia Code/Descrip. Annual Adjustments Adjustments The Month Remarks
During The
During Month During Month (3+4-5)
Date (2-7)
Month

Total

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

279
Appendix 33 MDA’s Quarterly Financial Reports

QFR 1 Financial Management Status Report

QFR 2 Report on Loss/Damage and Overpayment

QFR 3 Statement of Investments

QFR 4 Internal Audit Report

QFR 5 Government Funded Credit Card Report

280
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STATUS REPORT QFR 1

Ministry/Department/Agency_____________________________________________________

Head No.____________ Quarter____________________ Year __________

A – EXTERNAL AUDIT QUERIES

Summary Of Audit Query Received Reference Date Response

Number Received Date Summary

B. IMPLEMENTATION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Action Recommended Recommended By Date of Status Of Implementation

PAC/PAAC/ Auditor Recommendation

281
General/Mof ,Etc.

C ANNUAL RETURNS

YEAR(S) REMARKS
OUTSTANDING

National Insurance Scheme

National Housing Trust

Education Tax

Income Tax

Etc.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

282
REPORT ON LOSS/DAMAGE AND OVERPAYMENT QFR2
Ministry/Department/Agency_____________________________________________________

Head No.____________ Quarter____________________ Year _____________


(State all cases of loss, damage, destruction, defalcation, fraud, theft, burglary, irregularities, misappropriation etc. identified since the start of the financial year)

Description of Loss, Date Amount of Amount Write OFF


Damage/Overpayment etc. Reported Loss/Damage Recovered
Approved Date of Amount REMARKS
to MOF to date
/Overpayment By Approval Approved

We hereby certify that the report herein represents an accurate account of all Loss/Damage, Overpayment etc, occurred or identified during the financial year stated above.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

283
QUARTERLY STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS QFR 3

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Period No. Status

Name of Instrument Account Issue Maturity Institution Type of Amount of Interest Tenure Interest Interest Interest

Instrument Number Name Date Date Holding Investment Investment Rate Earned Earned Current Month Earned

Investment B/fwd YTD

Investment Officer Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

284
INTERNAL AUDIT QUARTERIY REPORT QFR 4

285
CREDIT CARD QUARTERLY REPORT QFR 5

286
Appendix 34 – MDA Annual Financial Reports

No. Statement Authority

AFR 1 FAA Act Section 19A


Statement of Commitments at end of Financial Year
(5)(a)

AFR 2 FAA Act Section 19A


Statement of Unpaid Bills at the end of the financial year
(5)(a)

AFR 3 Appropriation Account by Activities and Objects & Explanation of FAA Act Section 24I(1)
Major Variation

AFR 4 Board of Survey Report FAA Reg. 33.2

AFR 6 Status Report on Fixed Assets Instruction 7.3.5

AFR 7 Fund Balance Sheet FAA Act Section 24(I)(c)

AFR 8 Fund Receipts and Payment Statement FAA Act Section 24(I)( c)

287
SCHEDULE OF OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS - AFR 1

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year

HEAD NO. Financial Pattern

Function/Sub Fun Details of all commitments entered into for the


Program/Sub Prog
Project/Sub Proj supply of goods or services or the construction of Amount
Activity/Sub Act/ any work during the year where such goods or Remarks
Object/SubObj
services have not been received or such work has not Committed
been completed before the end of the Financial Year.

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer/Chief Executive Officer

Date Date Date

288
SCHEDULE OF UNPAID BILLS - AFR 2

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year

HEAD NO. Financial Pattern

Function/Sub Fun Details of the delivery of goods and services or the Unpaid
Program/Sub Prog
Project/Sub Proj completion of any work for which payment has not
Activity/Sub Act/ been made before the close of the Financial Year Unpaid Bill Remarks
Object/SubObj
Amount$

Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Accounting Officer

Date Date Date

289
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT BY PROJECT/ACTIVITY AFR3

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT _____________________________________________________
Head No. ______ Financial Pattern ________ Financial Year __________

FUNCTION Supplementary Estimates Variance


SUB-FUNCTION
PROGRAMME
SUB-PROGRAMME
PROJECT More
SUB PROJECT Less Than
Original Revised Total Than Net
ACTIVITY
SUB-ACTIVITY Description Estimate First Second Third Estimates Expenditure Variance
INTERNAL ORGAN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Rows totals for
• Function
• Program
• Project
• Activity
Total Gross Budget 5,000 200 (50) 5,150 5,110 40 (40)

Total Appropriations-in-aid 500 50 (30) 520 (525) 5 (5)

NET TOTAL FOR


FINANCIAL PATTERN 4,500 250 (80) 4,630 4,585 40 5 45

Net Variance Surrenderable to the Consolidated Fund by the Accountant General from the Central Payment Account :$ 45
Unspent Vote $40 Excess AIA collection $5

Accounting Officer Date

290
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT BY OBJECT AFR 4

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT _____________________________________________________
Head No. ______ Financial Pattern ________ Financial Year __________

FUNCTION Supplementary Estimates Variance


SUB-FUNCTION
PROGRAMME
SUB-PROGRAMME
PROJECT
More
SUB PROJECT Less Than
ACTIVITY
Original Revised Total Than Net
SUB-ACTIVITY
INTERNAL ORGAN Description Estimate First Second Third Estimates Expenditure Variance
OBJECT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Rows totals for
• Function
• Program
• Project
• Activity
• Object
Total Gross Budget 5,000 200 (50) 5,150 5,110 40 (40)

Total Appropriations-in-aid 500 50 (30) 520 (525) 5 (5)

NET TOTAL FOR


FINANCIAL PATTERN 4,500 250 (80) 4,630 4,585 40 5 45

Net Variance Surrenderable to the Consolidated Fund by the Accountant General from the Central Payment Account :$ 45
Unspent Vote $40 Excess AIA collection $5

Accounting Officer Date

291
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT BY OBJECT SUMMARY AFS 4A

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT _____________________________________________________
Head No. ______ Financial Pattern ________ Financial Year __________

OBJECT Supplementary Estimates Variance


SubObject
Detailed Sub Object Original Revised Total More Net
Less Than
Description Estimate First Second Third Estimates Expenditure Than Variance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Rows totals forObject only

Total Gross Budget 5,000 200 (50) 5,150 5,110 40 (40)

Total Appropriations-in-aid 500 50 (30) 520 (525) 5 (5)

NET TOTAL FOR


FINANCIAL PATTERN 4,500 250 (80) 4,630 4,585 40 5 45

Net Variance Surrenderable to the Consolidated Fund by the Accountant General from the Central Payment Account :$ 45
Unspent Vote $40 Excess AIA collection $5

Accounting Officer Date

292
Appendix 35 Revenue Financial Statements

The following are financial statements to be prepared by Principal Receivers of Revenue on n a cash accounting basis in
respect of General Revenue Collections

Statement
Statement Name Frequency Deadline Authority
Code

14th working day Revenue Accounting


RR 1 Trial Balance Monthly following the end of Manual February
the month 1998
Revenue Receipts and Payments Statements
RR 2 Monthly -- do -- -- do --

Revenue Bank Reconciliation Statement


RR 3 Monthly -- do -- -- do --

Statement of Revenue Bank Accounts Monthly -- do -- -- do --


RR 4

RR 5 Statement of Net Revenue Collections and Monthly -- do -- -- do --


Remittance to the Consolidated Fund

RR 6 Statement of Gross Revenue, Refund and Monthly -- do -- -- do --


Drawbacks
Annual Statement of Net revenue Collections Within four (4) FAA Act Instruction
Compared with Revenue Estimates months 7.72
FAA Act Section
RR 7 following the
24I(1)
end of the
financial year
293
RR1

REVENUE GENERAL LEDGER TRIAL BALANCE

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
Period No.
HEAD NO. Status

DR CR

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

294
RR 2

REVENUE RECEIPT & PAYMENTS STATEMENTS

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
Period No.
HEAD NO. Status

RECEIPT PAYMENTS

1. Balance B/F (if in Debit)

(a) Cash in hand 1 Revenue Refund


(b) Bank Account 2 Revenue Drawback

2 Gross Principal Revenue Collections 3 Transfer to Consolidated Fund

3 Miscellaneous Revenue Collections 4 Payment to Acct Gen. for Misc. Revenue

4 Standard Compliance Fee Collections 5 Payment to Bureau of Standards (SCF)

5 Parochial Revenue Collections 6 Payment to Parochial Fund

6 Road Maintenance Fund Collections 7 Payment to Road Maintenance Fund

7 National Health Fund Collections 8 Payment to NHF

8 Acct Gen. Treasury Deposits Collections 9 Payment to Acct . Gen. Treasury Deposits

9 Revenue Deposits Collections 10 Revenue deposits Payments

10 NIS Collections 11 Payment to NIS

11 NHT Collections 12 Payment to NHT


295
12 HEART Collections 13 Payment to HEART

13 Collections for Other entities -specify 14 Collections paid to Other Entities-specify

14 Revenue Deposits Received 15 Revenue Deposits Paid

15 16 Other payments & Charges


3. Balance C/F (if in Debit)

a) Cash in hand

b) Bank Account

TOTAL TOTAL

I certify that this statement accurately reflects the revenue collections and remittances for the month

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

296
Bank Reconciliation Statement RR 33

As at _______________________________

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Period No.
Status

(2) Cash Book (or balance in bank account in main Ledger)


$ $

Cash Book balance (unadjusted) xxxx

Adjustments

Less - Bank Charges xxxx

- Debit Advice(s), if any xxxx

- Any other Debits xxxx xxxx

xxxx

Add - Interest credited by Bank xxxx

-Credit Advice(s), if any xxxx

- Any other credit xxxx xxxx

Adjusted Cash Book balance xxxx

2 Bank Statement

Balance as per bank Statement xxxx

Adjustments

297
Add: - Lodgement(s) not yet credited by bank xxxx

- Amount(s) erroneously debited by bank, xxxx

- Other(s) xxxx xxxx

xxxx

Less - Unpresented Cheques xxxx

- Amount(s) erroneously credited by bank xxxx

- Others xxxx xxxx

Agreeing with adjusted Cash Book/main Ledger balance xxxx

Director of Finance Principal


Revenue Accountant /Financial Controller Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

298
STATEMENT OF REVENUE BANK ACCOUNTS - RR 4

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Perio
HEAD NO. Period No. d
Status

Balance at the start Balance at the end Month up to Month up to which Remarks
Bank Account of month of month which bank statement is
Title of Account Name of bank
Number reconciliation is received
completed

Cash Bank Cash Bank


Book Stateme Book Stateme
nt nt

(NB, This statement should provide information on all official bank accounts held by the Ministry/.Department)

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

299
MONTHLY STATEMENT OF NET REVENUE COLLECTIONS AND REMITTANCE TO THE CONSOLIDATED FUND RR 5

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
HEAD NO. Period No. Status

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Revenue Revenue Revenue Net Revenue Net Revenue Total Net Transfer to Balance Due Variance
Code Description Estimate Collections Collections Revenue the to
at start of for Month Collections Consolidated Consolidated (3-6)
Month to Date Fund To Fund
Date
(8) =(6)-(7)

Total Net
Collections
To Date

Total $

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

300
RR 6

MONTHLY STATEMENT OF GROSS REVENUE, REFUND AND DRAWBACKS

REVENUE DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
Period No.
HEAD NO. Status

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Revenue Revenue Description Revenue Gross Revenue Drawback, Net


Variance
Code Estimate Collection Refund, Receipts
7 =(3) -(6)
To Date Repayment to to Date
Date More than Less than REMARKS
Estimate Estimates
(6) =(4)- (5)

Total $

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

301
RR 7

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF NET REVENUE COLLECTIONS COMPARED WITH REVENUE ESTIMATES

MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT Financial Year


Period
Period No.
HEAD NO. Status

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Revenue Revenue Description Revenue


Net Variance
Code Estimate
Receipts 7 =(3) -(6)
EXPLANATION OF MAJOR
to Date
More than Less than VARIATIONS
Estimate Estimates

Total $

Revenue Accountant Director of Finance/Financial Controller Principal Receiver of Revenue

Date Date Date

302
Appendix 36 T-Card Register

T-CARD REGISTER
MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: _____________________________________________________________

DATE PARTICULARS OF VEHICLE ASSIGNED


PURCHASED REMARKS
TYPE OF VEHICLE VEHICLES LICENCE
CARD NUMBER
PLATE NUMBER

303
Appendix 37 – Requirements for addition to the Government List of Financial
Institutions for which Salary Deduction Orders are accepted

Letter of Application to the Financial Secretary accompanied by submission of the following:

(i) A processing Fee of $10,000. (NB. Manager’s cheque payable to the Accountant General for
Miscellaneous Revenue)

(ii) Company’s Profile

(iii) Certificate of Registration

(iv) Taxpayer Registration Number

(v) Valid Tax Compliance Certificate

(vi) Letter re Exemption from the Money Lending Act (If Applicable)

(vii) Audited Financial Statements for the last three (3) years

(viii) Loan Policy ( should include interest rate, percentage break out of personal and business
loans)

(ix) Delinquency Recovery Policy

(x) Profile of Directors and Senior Managers viz: Names, Qualifications and Experience

NB. The company must be in operation as a financial institution for over five (5) years

304
INDICES

23 Checking Officer, 76
A 24 Cheque Inventory, 79
1 Acceptance of Gifts, 154 25 Cheques, 63, 79
2 Accountable Officers, 27, 28, 29, 30, 50, 67, 68, 70, 26 Chief Audit Executive, 19, 31, 32
130, 140 27 closed period, 89
3 Accountant General, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 46, 50, 28 Commercial Accounting Method, 134
53, 54, 55, 59, 60, 61, 66, 81, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 119, 29 communication, 94, 95, 166, 190, 196
120, 121, 127, 135, 143, 160, 161, 168, 173, 175, 30 Comparability, 145
176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 188, 189, 193, 196 31 Consolidated Fund, 16, 18, 22, 25, 27, 29, 37, 40, 47,
4 Accounting Officer, 16, 20, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 67, 72, 102, 108,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 46, 47, 53, 59, 61, 62, 66, 71, 109, 111, 130, 134, 135, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144,
73, 74, 77, 80, 89, 93, 94, 111, 114, 115, 116, 128, 155, 171, 172, 174, 189, 194
132, 134, 154, 159, 166, 167, 169, 179 32 Container Card, 163
5 Advice Slip, 65 33 Contingencies Fund, 25, 29, 42, 50, 53, 54, 57, 127
6 Appropriation Account, 148 34 Contracts Register, 138
7 appropriations-in aid, 66 35 control accounts, 139
8 Appropriations-in-aid, 20, 57, 67, 185 36 Corporate Plan, 22, 45, 46, 105
9 Asset Management, 110 37 Credit Card, 64
10 Audit Committee, 27, 32, 33, 207, 208 38 CTMS
11 Auditor General, 18, 19, 27, 28, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 93, Central Treasury Management System, 19, 54, 55, 56,
110, 111, 114, 116, 118, 130, 146, 148, 149, 153, 78, 162, 176, 193
156, 157, 158, 161, 164, 167, 170, 179, 196, 219
D
B 39 Debit Cards, 64
12 Bills of exchange 40 Definitions, 50, 108, 172
Promissory note, 64 41 Destruction of Unused Cheques, 81
13 Breach. See Motor Vehicle Policy 42 Direct Payments, 141, 143
14 Budget Call, 21, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47 43 Donation in Money, 154
44 Donation In-Kind, 155

C
E
15 Cabinet Secretary, 36
16 Cancelled Cheques, 80 45 Electronic Data Capture Machine, 64
17 Capital Budget, 21, 45 46 Externally Funded Projects, 141, 142
18 Cash Book, 66, 134, 138, 139, 141, 198
19 Cash cheques F
Travellers Cheques, 63
20 Central Payment Account, 19, 55, 56, 78, 155, 175, 47 Financial Secretary, 17, 18, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
188, 189 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54,
21 Certification of Goods Received, 77 55, 58, 60, 61, 63, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 74, 79, 83,
22 Chart of Accounts, 46, 47 84, 88, 89, 90, 102, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115,

305
116, 118, 119, 120, 121, 126, 127, 130, 133, 138, 74 Overpayment of Public Funds, 155
139, 140, 146, 147, 148, 149, 153, 156, 157, 158, 75 Overseas Travel, 128
161, 162, 164, 166, 167, 171, 172, 179, 205
48 Financial Year P
Fiscal Year, 44
49 Fixed Asset Register, 137 76 Pay Day, 88
50 Fund Accounts, 139 77 Payment Voucher, 75
51 Furniture and Equipment, 111 78 payroll register, 90
79 Payroll Register, 88, 90
G 80 Pension, 49, 91
81 Period Closed, 147
52 General Consumption Tax, 158, 165, 167, 191 82 petty cash, 72
53 Government Laptop Computers 83 Principal Finance Officer (PFO). See Accountable
Laptops, 168 Officer
54 Government Mobile Telephones, 165 84 Principal Receivers of Revenue, 54, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68,
55 Government Owned Motor Vehicles, 112 70, 132, 133, 134, 140, 149
56 Government Telephone, 164 85 Project Accounts, 141
86 Public Accountability Inspectorate, 33
H PAI, 33
87 Public Accounts Committee, 19, 33, 35, 37
57 Hyperlink Policy, 112 88 Public Administration and Appropriations Committee
PAAC, 28, 33, 35, 41
I 89 Public Investment, 16, 19, 45, 102, 103, 104, 105,
107, 206
58 Implementation Plan, 45 90 Public Investment Management Committee, 45, 102,
59 imprest;, 71 103, 104
60 Improper payments, 78 91 public moneys, 72
61 Individual Credit Cards, 84 92 Public moneys, 67
62 Insurance of Government Property, 110 93 Purchase of Fuel, 162
63 Internal Audit, 32
64
65
Internal Auditors, 32
Investment, 16, 19, 41, 44, 102, 104, 160, 161, 197,
R
209 94 receipt book, 37, 60, 61
66 IPSAS, 19, 42, 132, 171, 172, 174, 175, 188, 193 95 Receipts, 78
67 Irrecoverable Overpayment, 157 96 Records Management, 144
97 Recovery
L Recovery of Overpayment, 39, 46, 91, 94, 156, 157,
158, 165
68 LIABILITY MANAGEMENT, 120 98 Recovery of Debt, 94
99 Recurrent Budget, 25, 45
M 100 Registered mail, 65
101 Relevance, 145
69 Materiality, 146 102 Rentals Register, 138
70 Ministry of the Public Service, 36 103 Revenue Accounting Method, 134
104 Revenue Bank Account, 59
O 105 Role of Certifying Officer, 77

71 of public moneys, 16, 20, 38, 57, 58, 62, 63, 78, 116,
117 S
72 Outstation Accounts, 139 106 Salary in Advance, 94
73 overdraft, 70 107 Special Account, 141

306
108 Special Receipts 120 Trust Funds, 25, 50, 53, 54, 139
General Receipts, 61
109 Stale Cheques, 80 U
110 Statement of Net Revenue, 149
111 Statutory deductions, 91 121 Unauthorised Payment, 78
112 Supplementary Estimates, 22, 25, 37, 42, 47, 119, 122 Understandable, 146
126, 127, 155, 161 123 User Fees, 26, 67
113 Surcharge, 27, 28, 38, 39, 78 124 Utility Register, 138

T V
114 Tax Withholding Entities, 19, 158 125 Value Book, 65, 66
115 The Expenditure and Fund Accounting Method, 134
116 the Project Concept Evaluation, 105 W
117 Theft or Fraud, 116
118 Transport Manager, 113 126 Warrant, 37, 47, 53, 143, 144, 161, 162, 185
119 Travel Register, 138

307

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